Volunteers FAQ
What time should I arrive?
The doors are open to patrons from 10am – 3pm. The majority of volunteers arrive at 8am, but you may be needed at a different time. You will receive this information from Sarah, our volunteer manager closer to the day.
Can I use my skills?
If you have particular skills, knowledge or interests please let us know and we will try and put them to good use. Otherwise there are lots of jobs that need doing on the day.
What roles are you looking for?
Check our Facebook page for postings of any particular skill sets we’re looking for. You will receive further information on your role for the day via your volunteer manager.
Am I covered by insurance?
Yes, SHC is a registered charity and as such volunteers are covered by our insurance. If you fall ill or are injured during the day, please let your team leader know immediately. The necessary steps to determine appropriate medical attention will be taken, in consultation with the organisers.
What do I wear?
We recommend wearing closed toe shoes and comfortable footwear, as you will be on your feet most of the day. We also recommend warm clothes, as the Town Hall can sometimes be quite cool. You will be provided with a T-shirt to wear for the day, which we would appreciate you returning to us at the end of the day.
What should I bring?
Bring as little as possible. We will have a separate volunteer room, but cannot 100% guarantee the security of your belongings.
Who will tell me what to do?
You will be allocated a Team Leader to work with on the day.
Will lunch be provided?
Times for refreshment and meal breaks will be scheduled to ensure that an adequate number of volunteers are on duty. Food and drink will be provided. If you have any specific dietary requirements please notify the volunteer management team.
How do I get there?
Free public transport is available on the day of the event to and from Sydney Town Hall. Transport Cards for volunteers will be provided to you before the event.
Is there parking?
No. It is recommended you catch public transport to and from the Town Hall.
Can I bring my camera?
No cameras or photography are allowed in the Town Hall or surrounds during the event. We take the privacy of our guests seriously and are sensitive to their circumstances. If you would like photos of the event, please contact our media manager Julie Fish after the event. Julie@sydneyhomelesscommect.com
Can teenagers or children volunteer?
You need to be over 18 to volunteer with SHC.
Do you have other roles throughout the year?
Yes we do, if you would like to more involved in an ongoing capacity, please let Tracy know: tracy@sydneyhomelessconnect.com
What else do I need to know?
– The Sydney Town Hall is a non-smoking area.
– Whilst on duty for the event, volunteers are required to refrain from alcohol consumption.
– This day is made possible by you – your energy, your enthusiasm and your love can be the spark that begins the process of healing and change for the people who come through the doors of Sydney Town Hall
– It is hard work, but we hope you find it as rewarding and enjoyable as we do.
– Sydney Homeless Connect is 100% non-for profit event. Our team and our volunteers do not make any money from their involvement with the event.
HOMELESS & AT RISK OF HOMELESSNESS FAQ
I’m currently homeless, can you arrange some accommodation for me?
Unfortunately Sydney Homeless Connect cannot arrange accommodation for you directly, but we can put you in touch with services that can.
Is there a list of shelters and services I can access?
We publish a Guidebook to Homeless Services every year, available at The Sydney Town Hall on July 21st, and as a pdf here. We try to include all of the main options, but it doesn’t cover everything.
Do I need to register to come to SHC?
No, just come along. We do not gather any names, data or registration on the day.
How much does it cost?
Everything on the day, including entry is free.
Who can come along to SHC?
If you are currently homeless or facing possible homelessness we welcome you.
Is transport to and from the event provided?
No, however your invitation card is also a transport card allowing free travel to and from the event on Sydney and Intercity train services (except Domestic and
International Airport stations), Sydney metropolitan buses, Sydney Ferries and light rail. This can only be used on July 7th 2016.
Where can I get an invitation card?
All of the major homeless service providers have been provided cards to be given to you. Or else you can get them by sending us a message on our Contact Us page.
Where can I leave my belongings?
We will have a secure cloakroom for your things.
Can I bring my children?
Yes, we welcome children of all ages. It is a family friendly day and we can arrange someone to help you with the kids on the day if needed.
Is it safe for women?
We will have a separate women’s area set up for privacy, respite and relaxation. There are rumoured to be treats like aromatherapy and hand massages in the women’s area.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, we love dogs. We hope to have a vet on site to help you with any health issues your dog may have. Larger dogs may need to stay outside the hall.
Do you do other events?
No, Sydney Homeless Connect is a once a year event. It is modeled on the global ‘Project Connect’ movement set up in many cities around the world.
Is SHC part of any government or religious group?
No, SHC is a 100% independent and volunteer run charity. Every single thing is donated freely and the volunteers do so out of the goodness of their hearts.
Donations FAQ
Who are the donations going to?
The clothing and other items donated are for men, women and children who are either homeless currently or at extreme risk of homelessness.
What is most needed?
At this time of year we need:
Jackets
Beanies, Gloves, Scarves
Warm socks
Shoes – practical, covered
Blankets
What is NOT needed?
Even though we are always blown away by people’s generosity – every year we have learnt what we need and what is not needed. We are kindly asking that people don’t include the following items:
Suitcases, bags
Summer clothing
2nd Hand underwear and socks
Shorts
Singlet tops
Skirts and Dresses
Business Suits
PJ’s
Swimwear
Uncovered shoes including thongs, sandals etc
Babies clothes
Toys
Where can I drop the donations?
As soon as we have arranged a drop off point we will publish the location on our Facebook page and web site.
What if I have other things to donate? Or my company does?
If this is the case, please contact our donations manager tracy@sydneyhomelessconnect.com
SERVICE PROVIDERS FAQ
Who do I contact to be part of SHC?
If you are a service provider or work with the homeless and would like to be a part of our event you must register here. Or contact our Service Provider Manager Peter Durie peter@sydneyhomelessconnect.com
What types of outcomes are you looking for?
Ideally anything that can help our homeless guests end their state of homelessness or get into a better position to deal with the challenges they face. We are about ACTIONs and OUTCOMEs.
How many are you expecting on the day?
We are expecting from 3,000+ people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness to come through the doors.
What time do we need to arrive?
Access from 7.30am for set up. Doors officially open to guests at 10am, pack up and vacate from 3pm – 5pm.
Can we setup the day before the event?
As the Town Hall is kindly donated by the council for our use, access before and after the event may vary. Please contact us and we will do our best to accommodate.
What sort of access do we have to bring things in out of the town hall?
There is limited access to the town. We do our best to accommodate all requests. Please contact us to see what we can do.
What should we bring?
We arrange tables and chairs, you bring along anything else you need.
Is there WIFI?
Yes, we can arrange WIFI in the Town Hall for you.
How can I be in your Guide Book?
Be sure to fill out all the details in the forms sent to you once you’ve registered.
Can I put up signage in the Town Hall?
Details of what is allowed will be part of your registration response package.
Does anyone make money from the day?
No, Sydney Homeless Connect is a 100% volunteer organisation. All of our supporters, volunteers and service providers, provide their service and/or time for free.
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