The Target 365 homeless campaign, which started in 2011, aimed to raise 365 nights of accommodation at a cost of $100 a night.

In August, Horsham’s Fig Tree Caffe, Cafe Jas and Cafe Chickpea committed to the CafeSmart program, initiated by StreetSmart Australia, to support the region’s homeless. 

They raised about $1500, which allowed Business Horsham to apply for a grant donation.

Business Horsham executive administrator Wendy Mitchell said StreetSmart Australia confirmed the $1500 grant last week, which allowed the organisation to finalise its pledge total. 

‘‘We are thrilled with this donation, which sees our campaign pledge realised,’’ she said.

‘‘After three years of campaigning to raise $36,500 we are so very excited to hand over a $1500 donation to Wimmera Uniting Care to support our homeless people.’’

Wimmera Uniting Care acting chief executive Leeanne Thomson said the campaign was a fantastic collaborative effort.

‘‘We have enjoyed the partnership with Business Horsham immensely and would like to thank everyone  involved,’’ she said.

‘‘As one of the major providers of housing and homelessness support services in the region, we hope the community will continue to support this great cause.’’

Mrs Mitchell said although the Target 365 campaign was over, people could continue to donate directly to Wimmera Uniting Care and other organisations that supported homeless people.

‘‘The aspect of the campaign we loved was we didn’t have to wait to raise the total amount for it to start helping people,’’ she said.

‘‘As the money came in it was used as needed, which was a huge benefit.’’

In August 2011, Business Horsham and Horsham Rural City Council hosted the inaugural ’on the Couch in the Park’ forum – now renamed ’Couch to House’ – in conjunction with Wimmera Uniting Care, the Salvation Army and Grampians Community Health. 

Twenty-two business and organisation leaders gathered to brainstorm ways to help combat Horsham’s homelessness issue.

‘‘One of the short-term strategies adopted by the group was the Couch to House Target 365 campaign, with the fundraising component managed by Business Horsham,’’ Mrs Mitchell said.

‘‘The money is used by the entry points in Horsham and Stawell to provide assistance to clients needing crisis accommodation.’’

Mrs Mitchell said from 2011 until now, Wimmera Uniting Care spent $19,968.85 of ‘Couch to House’ crisis accommodation funding on 36 singles and 15 families. 

Twenty-six other assists were of an unknown family make-up. 

‘‘In addition to financial assistance, 19 swags have been distributed to clients who, because of varying circumstances, have limited options,’’ she said.