Member for Port Macquarie, Leslie Williams today joined with representatives from Camden Haven Community @ 3 to launch a petition calling on the Minns Labor Government to provide financial support the purchase of a decommissioned motel at Kew to become permanent transitional accommodation for the homeless in the Camden Haven.

Camden Haven Community @ 3 receives at least 25 new homeless referrals each week with at least 60 known cases of rough sleeping every night in the Camden Haven.

“Camden Haven Community @ 3 is a registered charity, solely committed to caring for those doing it tough in the local area. The organisation has worked incredibly hard over a number of years focussing their efforts on fundraising to acquire the property,” Mrs Williams said.

“Camden Haven Community @ 3 have now launched the petition and are seeking the support of the community to urge the NSW Government to fund the purchase of the facility.

“Community @ 3 have already received commitments of financial support for the operation of the service once the motel has been purchased and they are incredibly grateful to the many individuals, organisations, religious groups, clubs and businesses who have already pledged their support.  

“There is clearly a need for such support services in the Camden Haven and I have appreciated the opportunity to inspect the property with Community @ 3 and better understand their future plans for the site,” Mrs Williams said.

“If the funding request was successful, the former motel could potentially provide short term accommodation options for families and individuals as they transition into permanent housing with the support of Camden Haven Community @ 3 and other agencies.

“We know the impact cost of living pressures are having on so many people on the Mid North Coast and this coupled with limited available rental properties has left many families vulnerable.

People can sign the petition at a range of locations in the Camden Haven including the Kew Corner Store, Kendall Post Office, Kendall Community Centre, Ocean Drive Service Station, Laurieton United Services Club, Ocean Club Resort, Baptist Church, Uniting Church, Anglican Church, Catholic Church Laurieton, Camden Haven Osteopathic Clinic, Laurieton Gym, North Haven Motel and the Kendall Op Shop.

“I commend Camden Haven Community @ 3 for their outstanding dedication and commitment,” Mrs Williams said.