Walk a Mile in My Boots this Homelessness Week

It’s time to Walk a Mile in My Boots…and Hutt St Centre is encouraging people to register and Walk the Final Mile with the community to raise funds to end homelessness this Friday.

Hutt St Centre has supported a record number of people visiting its Wellbeing Centre this winter, seeking shelter, warmth, a hot meal, a clean shower, laundry use or medical and other support.

With Homelessness Week at the front of people’s minds over the coming days, Hutt St Centre CEO Chris Burns said Hutt St Centre had seen more than 40,500 people seeking support through the Wellbeing Centre over the financial year – which is an increase of 12 per cent. 

More than 24,000 people have been supported with the provision of everyday essentials like clothes, toiletries, and bedding – which is a 46 per cent increase on the previous year to June 30.

Mr Burns said it wasn’t too late to register to Walk the Final Mile this Friday as part of the centre’s Walk a Mile in My Boots campaign, as it leaves Victoria Park and winds past Hutt St Centre.

“In recent years we’ve encouraged people to walk whenever they can, wherever they are around the world, in support of those experiencing homelessness or at-risk of experiencing homelessness this winter, but we’d love to see the crowd building in solidarity this Friday,” Mr Burns said.

“It might be cold and wintery, but a walk in the park is nothing compared to those who don’t have any relief from these conditions and aren’t lucky enough to have a warm bed to sleep in or a roof over their head.”

This year, the community is being invited to walk with Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia and Mr Rod Bunten, Premier Peter Malinauskas, Deputy Premier Susan Close, former Port Adelaide footballer and Hutt St Centre ambassador Justin Westhoff, magician and fellow ambassador Matt Tarrant, Hutt St Centre clients, business and community leaders, and thousands of Hutt St Centre supporters. 

Hutt St Centre client Jamie began visiting the Wellbeing Centre after falling on hard times. He had struggled with alcohol use after relocating interstate for work, putting a strain on his relationships and leading to experiences of homelessness in Tasmania and South Australia.

After several months of sleeping rough in Adelaide, Jamie discovered hope and support through Hutt St Centre and with unwavering determination and access to resources, Jamie regained control of his life. 
“I’m so proud of how far I’ve come, but I couldn’t have done it without the help of Hutt St Centre,” Jamie said.

There has never been a more urgent need to provide nourishing meals, laundry facilities, medical care, and hot showers to help people doing it tough in the community.

“Times are exceptionally tough at the moment and there’s no sign of conditions easing. The funds the community raises while taking part in Walk a Mile in My Boots are critical – as they ensure we can provide essential services to people at risk of or experiencing homelessness so that they can not only survive the winter but change their circumstances for good,” Mr Burns said.

“Our Hutt St Centre team works tirelessly to help people to not just find a roof over their head and to wrap some essential services around them, but we exist to help them find homefulness and a to create a sense of place.”

Over the 2023-24 financial year, the community’s support has enabled:
•    40,504 visits from people seeking support – an increase of 12 per cent
•    45,111 nutritious meals – a 29 per cent increase
•    24,203 everyday essentials like clothes, toiletries and bedding – almost double the previous year
•    12,938 hot showers - a 13 per cent increase
•    3,382 loads of clean washing – a 19 per cent increase
•    2,351 medical check-ups – a 21 per cent increase
•    741 people to create connection through social activities    
•    673 people to find their creative voice. 

“Taking part in Walk a Mile in My Boots is one practical step South Australians can take to help end homelessness and show their support for people facing a long, cold winter on the streets.

“It’s not too late to register for Walk a Mile in My Boots, and every dollar raised will make a difference to the lives of many people doing it tough.” 

To register for Walk a Mile in My Boots, visit walkamile.org.au or click here.