SOCIAL and economic factors have bedevilled attempts to ease the homelessness crisis, leading to generational disadvantage among the most vulnerable in the community.
It is in this context that builder and community worker Troy Arvidson of Food Fix has been quietly making a difference.
It all started after a fundraiser at the Coffs races for a member of his extended family.
“I began networking in the community,” he told News Of The Area, “running events, starting programs and mobile food deliveries – just trying to support people and give them encouragement in difficult circumstances”.
Troy is one of a number of people, both professionals and volunteers, doing something about the crisis instead of lamenting the situation.
There are women who cook meals for him to distribute and grandmothers, in the most difficult circumstances, looking after bands of neighbourhood kids who see the Food Fix BBQ as an opportunity to connect with a positive male role model.
In the recent wet weather, Troy approached Bunnings Coffs Harbour to help him support those living rough.
“[I got] wooden pallets and ply to make platforms to allow many desperate people living in the mire in tents around the CBD, to get off the ground”.
In addition, as part of Food Fix, he has secured and distributed donations of tents, tarps, blankets, bedding and toiletries.
Working closely with Pete’s Place (the St Vincent’s drop-in centre at the Community Village) he has put on Christmas Dinners and organised hairdressing and make-overs for women who are living rough.
His practical assistance has also included rubbish removal with many trailer loads of refuse taken to the local tip.
For more about Food Fix and details of its weekly BBQ, go to its page on Facebook.
By KIM SATCHELL
