Harcourts Foundation Helps Provide Lifeline to Rough Sleepers with Mobile Phones

Around 20 older individuals sleeping rough on the Mornington Peninsula will now have access to vital connections through new mobile phones, thanks to funding provided by the Harcourts Foundation.

This initiative aims to equip some of the community’s most vulnerable individuals with mobile phones, supporting them to stay connected with family, friends, and essential services.

This connectivity is crucial for accessing government services, scheduling important appointments, and moving closer to stable housing.

“Having a phone is a lifeline – it means people can stay connected with family, friends and services and can access government services online, a key precursor to achieving stable housing,” said Bolton Clarke Homeless Persons Program Manager Dee Loader.

“But many rough sleepers lack the digital literacy and the ongoing support needed to make the most of this technology.

Without support, these people will struggle to connect with essential welfare and health services or attend appointments to secure crisis or long-term accommodation,” Loader continued.

Mornington Community Support Centre will also play a pivotal role, offering guidance to recipients on how to make the most of their phones. This includes booking vital medical and social services, video calling loved ones, and navigating the phones’ basic functionality.

“This donation will support a growing cohort of people over 60 who are sleeping rough in Mornington this year. These are some of the most vulnerable people in our community,” Loader added.

Thanks to the funding from the Harcourts Foundation, Bolton Clarke will purchase phones on low-cost, flexible plans from Better Life Mobile and ensure ongoing monthly payments are covered.

This support is critical in providing reliable access to these vital devices.

The substantial need for such initiatives cannot be overstated, with approximately 689 people sleeping rough on the Mornington Peninsula every night.

The Harcourts Foundation’s support underscores their dedication to creating meaningful impact and addressing local social challenges. Pauline Smith, Head of the Harcourts Foundation, remarked, "We’re proud to support this vital program and make a real difference to the lives of those in our community.

Helping Bolton Clarke’s Homeless Persons Program aligns with the values we hold dear at the Harcourts Foundation.”

This project highlights the growing role of digital connectivity in unlocking essential support for some of society’s most at-risk individuals, empowering them to take steps toward stability and security.