A service aimed at supporting people struggling to find consistent accommodation is set to be revitalised after an expansion to the service received funding.
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Beyond Bank has donated $20000 to the Freebeez Locker program which is operated by the PCYC and Linking Communities Network (LCN).
The service provides those struggling to find accommodation access to lockers containing items including sleeping bags, first aid, self-heating meals, counselling contacts and a map highlighting the location of essential services, with the contents altered depending on the season.
LCN Youth Links manager of crisis accommodation Deb Longhurst, who is also a Griffith City councillor, said the service is important due to a "massive shortage" of short and long-term accommodation, leaving many without shelter or basic essentials.
"The homeless population has dramatically increased in Griffith," Ms Longhurst said.
"There are a lot of people who find themselves with one night or more on the streets.
"If you can leave something to other people to make that night easy, then that's important."
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The donation comes three months after the lockers, which were located out the front of the PCYC, were destroyed.
An alternative system has been in place since the destruction of the lockers, with those looking to use the service having needed to get in contact with the Langunyah House youth refuge.
Ms Longhurst said the new lockers are aiming to be operational by the end of September, with early plans to fully stock 10 new lockers, but there has not yet been a discussion with PCYC about the location or number of the lockers.
"We did have a really high demand," she said.
"It's continued, but it's just access to the service we need to work on."
Beyond Bank's regional community manager Karen Garrod said it was a simple decision for the bank to help fund the expansion.
"We are always keen to support local frontline projects that deliver real results and in turn, build better and stronger communities," Ms Garrod said.
"Freebeez Lockers is making a positive difference and so for us, helping out was an easy decision."
The service has been in operation since 2017.
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