St Vincent de Paul Society reopens shower service for City’s homeless.

The St Vincent de Paul Society (Tas), in partnership with the City of Launceston, and the Tasmanian Masonic Benevolent Foundation has announced the continuation of an initiative to provide showers and laundry facilities to the homeless. Based at 8a Blaydon Street, Kings Meadows, the former YMCA site, the service is viewed as a 'lifesaver' due to the benefits it offers to the homeless.

To enable this valuable service, the Tasmanian Masonic Benevolent Foundation is supplying toiletries, towels and a continental breakfast, the City of Launceston is waiving rent and overheads, while Vinnies volunteers will run the service on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays between 9am and 11am. In the longer term, the aim is to increase this to a five-day service.

St Vincent de Paul Society CEO, Ms Heather Kent, said the shower and laundry facilities at the former YMCA site in Kings Meadows are a lifesaver; adding that hygiene and the ability to enjoy the simple benefit of feeling clean is critical to the health and wellbeing of the City’s homeless.

“The Society is committed to providing support to people experiencing homelessness in Launceston. By working with our partners, we are able to continue this vital service to help homeless people maintain their dignity, self-respect, and overall wellbeing,” Ms Kent said.

“The Society offers a range of services, including emergency accommodation, food assistance, and support for people experiencing financial hardship. Offering shower and laundry facilities at the Kings Meadows site, means we can provide a greater level of support to people in need.

“Access to showers and laundry facilities may seem quite basic, but for those experiencing homelessness, it can make a significant difference to their lives. Feeling clean and refreshed boosts self-esteem. It also provides a sense of normalcy and dignity to those who may be struggling with mental health challenges, addiction, and/or financial hardship. Showers can also help reduce the spread of illness in the homeless population. This can ultimately prevent additional medical costs and may even save lives.

“Furthermore, a refreshing shower and clean clothes improve the employment opportunities for the homeless. Job interviews and daily attendance at work require basic hygiene. Not having access to a shower can hinder a person's ability to secure employment or maintain a job.

“In addition to the practical benefits, the shower and laundry service also provides a sense of community and support for those experiencing homelessness. Individuals can connect with others and feel a sense of belonging, especially if they are isolated or struggling with mental health challenges. The provision of showers can also serve as a point of contact for our volunteers or other community organisations to offer additional support and resources to those in need.

“In many cases, Vinnies volunteers may be the only consistent source of positive interaction and support in the lives of homeless individuals. Beyond the shower and laundry services, interaction with volunteers can often make a meaningful difference in the lives of those they serve.

“By interacting with people in a welcoming and non-judgmental way, volunteers can establish trust and rapport with homeless individuals, who may be hesitant or mistrustful of outside help. This can lead to opportunities to provide food and clothing; and referral to additional services, such as connection with housing resources, job training, healthcare, or mental health support.

“The St Vincent de Paul Society is grateful to the City of Launceston and the Tasmanian Masonic Benevolent Foundation for their shared response to providing Launceston’s homeless with access to showers and laundry facilities. This collaborative effort will make a tremendous impact in the lives of the homeless in our community. Vinnies is proud to be part of such a generous, supportive, and compassionate network,” Ms Kent added.
MEDIA NOTES: The St Vincent de Paul Society was founded in Paris, France in 1833 by a 20-year old Italian student, Frederic Ozanam. Today, the Society operates in 153 countries and has over 800,000 members. Australia has over 60,000 members, dedicated to assisting people in need and combating social injustice. The Society started in Tasmania in 1899 when founders established a Conference in Launceston. From humble beginnings, the Society has grown to 25 Conferences within three Regional Councils across Tasmania. Each Conference undertake a variety of good works, the most recognised being the traditional Vincentian home visits and the annual CEO Sleep-out to draw attention to homelessness.

_{Media contact, Mark Wells: +61 414 015 966 (24-hours)
© St Vincent de Paul Society and MWPA.}