Bishop Anthony Randazzo says giving to CatholicCare Broken Bay’s Homelessness Appeal this weekend will make an “enormous difference” within the community, encouraging people to donate, no matter how small.
This year, the CatholicCare Homelessness Appeal will take place in parishes on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th August.
“I recognise everyone is facing increasing living expenses however, if our parishioners could be encouraged to contribute even a small amount, it will make an enormous difference to many of our brothers and sisters,” said Bishop Anthony.
“It is vital we assist our communities when they need it most, recognising justice and mercy is at the heart of our Church, and dignity and respect is for all.”
Money raised from the appeal will support a number of services, including: Mary Mac's Place - a community kitchen and homelessness support service in Woy Woy, Dom's Place – a drop-in centre and homelessness support service in Hornsby, street sleeping outreach support, transitional accommodation and casework support, a women's refuge - for women and their children fleeing domestic violence, and a young parent's homelessness services.
Last year, the appeal raised just over $94,000 which assisted thousands of people.
Homelessness Week aligns with the Feast Day of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, who devoted her life to the poor and established schools and places of refuge for the working class and disadvantaged.
Homelessness in New South Wales has risen by 18 per cent over the past decade, with an estimated 37,000 people experiencing homelessness in 2025.
Nationally, the picture is even more alarming – 135,000 Australians are now without a home, marking a 21 per cent increase since 2015.
You can donate to CatholicCare’s Homelessness Appeal here.