Share is the fundraising arm of UnitingCare and Uniting Church services to the community in Victoria and Tasmania. The Winter Appeal is a great way for all of us to support local families and children who are homeless or in crisis. Let’s stand together and support the Share Winter Appeal. We can make a difference to the lives of people in crisis in our local community. Share Winter Appeal 2015

Hundreds of homeless children like Emma and Hayley urgently need emergency relief… Please help with your gift by 30 June … so they don’t have to be turned away

From happy family to homeless… Richard was happily married with 2 primary age girls, Emma and Hayley. He had a stable job. Then came a series of traumatic events. His wife died from cancer, leaving the girls without their mum. Then Richard had a workplace injury. He could no longer work.

“The loss of his wife and employment resulted in the family losing their home. Without family or friends to help, they quickly became destitute. “The family found themselves sleeping rough in a shipping container. They also slept in local parks.” From happy family to homeless…

This could happen to anyone. Many of today’s homeless are just regular families – like people that you and I would know.

How your gift by 30 June helps families in crisis like Richard’s Through a Share-funded program, the family received help including: food hampers bedding toiletries crisis accommodation school uniforms for the girls Richard is now also getting help to find another job. And he hopes to eventually give his girls a new home.

Rise in homelessness + Funding cuts = Families in crisis As the cost of living rises, the number of homeless people has soared. And government cuts have left many Share-funded programs struggling to cope with the demand. Homeless children and families in desperate need are being turned away. This is happening right here in our community. For the sake of these families… please support Share’s Winter Appeal.

How will donations be used? Your gift by 30 June will go towards emergency relief such as: Food – bread, hot meals, grocery or meal vouchers. Clothing – as winter approaches, warm clothing and bedding is urgently needed. Medical help – the doctors’ visits and medicines that the homeless can’t afford. Crisis housing – putting roofs over the heads of the homeless through temporary shelter. Then comes help to find long-term affordable rental or public housing. This is a time when your gift truly counts…

Blessed is the one who is generous to the poor. Proverbs 14:21

3 easy ways to give: 1. By mail: Pick up an appeal brochure, fill out the donation form and send to PO Box 24154, Melbourne Vic By phone: Call Online: Visit Thank you ! *At Share we respect everyone who is helped by the programs we fund – and many are working toward a fresh start in life. So while their stories are true, their names and images have been changed to protect their privacy. Thank you for understanding.