A collection of Armidale agencies ran this year's Homeless Connect Day on Wednesday morning, making people more aware of just what services were available in to help people through the sometimes intricate issue of homelessness.
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Organiser Jess Donnelly said about a dozen agencies had set up stalls in the Beardy Street Mall, just outside the Post Office, to demonstrate to everyone, including those who were homeless, just what could be on offer to help make their lives easier.
"This has come out of what's called "The Homeless Action Team. All those services that can really pull it together for a person are here today," she said.
"That is made up of a number of organisations here in Armidale. The goal is to raise awareness and the impacts of it in the Armidale community. We're trying to bring together those services that could help.
"So, if you're homeless a job would help you get a roof over your head, so we've brought them together, we've got mental health services, human services and specialist homeless services here in town."
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Jess said last year's event was held inside the Town Hall, however, following Tamworth's massive event last month, it was decided to try building on Armidale's event by bringing it outside.
"Tamworth had 1070 people through their doors this year," she said.
"It was difficult to get approval through the [Armidale] council. There were some delays there that couldn't be helped.
"It's delayed the whole process, so we haven't been able to advertise effectively, but we're hoping it will be an annual event so people will know it is coming each year and we will build up on it and support those people who are doing it a bit tough."
Jess said she hoped people would visit the event to to become better informed.
"People who are at risk of homelessness, or even people just doing it tough, you know, the drought's on and things are hard for just general community members," she said.
"We're hoping they were able to come and get some information, to get some supports in place to get them through those rough periods."
Jess pointed to where there were hot meals and lots of freebies available on the day.
"Blankets and clothes and that sort of thing," she said.
"It's just about gaining that information and getting a few things to help them out."
A Census is held every five years, the last in 2016. It found 116,427 homeless people, 58 per cent were male and 42 per cent were women.
