In a fantastic show of support for the city’s Homelessness Network, the Gold Coast SUNS and Metricon Stadium welcomed more than 850 people at risk of homelessness to the City’s annual Homeless Connect event.

Held at the stadium precinct for the first time in 2013, the Homeless Connect saw hundreds of Gold Coasters who are doing it tough come and enjoy a hot breakfast, live entertainment and recieve free haircuts, clean blankets and non-perishable food items. 

Proudly supported by the Gold Coast Community Fund, City of Gold Coast, Horizon Housing, Queensland Shelter, Street Smart, ABC Coast FM and the Queensland State Government, the event helped alleviate some of the normal pressures people at risk of homeless face on a day to day basis. 

Gold Coast Mayor – Tom Tate was on board to officially welcome the Homeless Connect to its new home at Metricon Stadium, and exclusively told goldcoastfc.com.au the change in venue had helped breathe new life into the event.

“For the event to be here at Metricon Stadium and for the SUNS to be behind the Homeless Connect this year has been wonderful,” Tate said.

“This facility was much more flexible and more inviting for the active and outdoor spirit.”

Tate said the event had been met with praise from the Gold Coast community.

“The response has been fantastic – to have so many people smiling and reaching out through the Homeless Connect was rewarding.”

GC SUNS Chief Operation Officer – Andrew Travis, said it was great to see the stadium transform from its usual SUNS match-day operations.

“It’s been part of our plan from Day One that we wanted to be more than just the home for the Gold Coast SUNS,” he said.

“This asset is unbelievable and  can be used in so many different formats like rock concerts, festivals and community events like Homeless Connect.”

“It’s great to take this event to new heights by opening up Metricon Stadium and providing services such as medical, legal and welfare – it was certainly appreciative by those in attendance.”