Vulnerable people will have access to services in a new safe space in Hamilton.
After 12 years operating from various places in Hamilton, Reach Homeless Services now has access to a kitchen, storage, tables and chairs as well as a place for volunteers to pack emergency food and hygiene kits.
Reach has moved into the Salvation Army's Community Centre on Cleary Street, allowing volunteers to set up every morning and Friday evening offering food, connection and necessities.
Reach executive director Gary Parsisson said the cost-of-living crisis has led to an increase in people doing it tough.
"We help a wide range of people who could be experiencing homelessness, drug and alcohol struggles, mental health issues, domestic violence, financial hardship or loneliness," Mr Parsisson said.
"Reach has been providing food insecurity services in Hamilton for more than a decade in temporary locations such as James Street Plaza and Hamilton Station Park.
"Having a permanent, secure location ensures we can operate in any type of weather, allowing people who might be suffering from a sense of isolation to make some much-needed connections."
Mr Parsisson said people who use the service can now sit down and enjoy a hot coffee, share a Friday night meal under a roof and access support in a space that feels safe, consistent and dignified.
City of Newcastle provided The Salvation Army with specialist planning advice to assist with the development application for the new arrangement, which was approved in just over a week.
The Salvation Army corps officer Major Leanne Bennett said the organisation aims to meet the community's needs without judgement or discrimination.
"Our community involvement includes a range of activities that care for people such as our Emergency Relief service, community meals, homeless packs, shower facilities and much more," she said.
"Collaborating with Reach complements the other services we host in Cleary Street including Street Side Medics and Orange Sky."
The Salvation Army offers services such as Employment Plus, Moneycare and Doorways programs, as well as other contributors like OzHarvest, Foodbank, Coles SecondBite and RSPCA Hunter Supporters Group.
Having coordinated initial meetings between Reach and The Salvation Army, Newcastle councillor Jenny Barrie said she is pleased to see the service up and running.
"As a council, we've committed to reviewing free food supply services in Hamilton to better meet the needs of the community," she said.
"Addressing food insecurity in a permanent, indoor location, provides advantages over public spaces, including kitchen facilities and refrigeration."
Cr Barrie said open-air food distribution is highly-visible and can deter people from seeking aid due to social stigma.
"Sadly, food insecurity affects one in three households across NSW," she said.
"This is a positive collaboration that will deliver real benefits for people in need in Newcastle."
It comes amid a tug of war over Food Not Bombs' free pantry in Awaba Park. The council is in the process of reinstalling new cabinets as part of a $290,000 upgrade to the space.
Residents and business owners have petitioned the council not to reinstall the cabinet, instead arguing Cleary Street would be a more appropriate location.
The council said it is committed to working alongside support services, businesses, residents and police towards a safer and more welcoming environment in Hamilton.
