For immediate release
9 November 2017

Across Australia, Homelessness is on the rise.

Homelessness Australia statistics show 40% of the News South Wales homeless are women. Many of these women are forced onto the streets as a result of mental health issues, financial strains, and 33.8% due to domestic violence, family breakdown and abuse.

They find themselves without the security and shelter of a home and with less access to items required for basic hygiene.

This Christmas season, Strathfield Council has resolved to support the charity Share the Dignity, which strives to address the needs of women living on the street, and in sheltered or crisis accommodation.

Share the Dignity makes a real, on-the-ground difference to homeless women and victims of domestic violence. They collect thousands of pads, tampons and personal hygiene products every year for women experiencing homelessness and poverty. Small dignities make a big difference. They fund funerals for victims of domestic violence and campaign for justice for women in Australia.

Each November Share the Dignity run their It’s In the Bag Campaign where they collect and distribute handbags filled with personal care products to homeless, at-risk and women experiencing domestic violence.

Last year, the Campaign collected 107, 000 bags for distribution, 32, 000 of which were gathered in NSW alone.

Council encourages all local residents to participate by donating a handbag, new or in good condition, filled with female personal care products. Drop your gift into one of three pink boxes located at nominated collection sites across the Strathfield LGA.

Collection sites will open 18 November through to 2 December 2017 and located at:

1. Council’s Customer Service
2. Strathfield Library
3. Strathfield Square

Share the Dignity this November.

ENDS

For media enquiries, please contact:
Naomi Searle
Strathfield Council
9748 9992 or 0437 669 207
naomi.searle@strathfield.nsw.gov.au