Businesses and service organisations are being asked to support Hunter Homeless Connect’s (HHC) new App Information Tile to better connect people in need with vital homelessness and other support services.

The mobile App Information Tile links people to the information in the organisation’s community directory. The tile can be sent direct to mobile phones or accessed via a QR code.

Compass Housing’s Community Relations Manager, Michelle Faithfull is the App Project Manager and a member of the HHC management committee.

Michelle said the app will help people to access up-to-date information more easily and faster.

She is encouraging service providers and other businesses to display the QR code at their locations for people to scan.

“People will be able to find support for housing, food, health services, community centres, crisis and emergency assistance, disability services, employment and training, as well as Aboriginal, cultural, youth and migrant services,” Michelle said.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting people at risk of and those experiencing homelessness,” she said.

She said the app is another way of connecting people after COVID-19 forced HHC to cancel its annual Hunter Homeless Connect Day.

“We’ve distributed 8,000 hard copies of our directory and it has been downloaded 1,500 times from the website this year, so we know there is a big community need for this information.”

Service providers are being given access to the QR codes to display at their premises and the code is also on the HHC Facebook page.

Businesses or organisations wishing to display the QR poster or get the code are encouraged to email their organisation.

HHC is fundraising $3,000 to cover the app’s development costs. An anonymous donor has already contributed $1,500. To support the fundraising, click here.

This app was proudly launched during Homelessness Week.

IMAGE | Michelle Faithfull with the new Hunter Homeless Connect App Information Tile.