31 July, 2012 4:04PM AEST

Friends on the street

When it comes to the issue of homelessness here on the coast, there is one charity group that is well recognised in our community - Rosies. But what exactly do they do?

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In the lead up to Homeless Persons Week 2012 (Monday 6 August to Sunday 12 August) the Gold Coast is hosting the city's annual Homeless Connect event.

Rosies is always a huge part of the event, but their work with the homeless population lasts all year round.

Rosies run state-wide services now, after the charity began right here on the Gold Coast 25 years ago.

They now offer 20 outreaches on the Gold Coast, with both night and day outreaches throughout the city. They also set up at the Southport Courthouse, have a drop-in centre, and also visit the Numinbah Women's Prison.

Rosie's Gold Coast Coordinator, Kathleen Vlasic, says everyone knows that Rosies provide food for the homeless by seeing their vans around town, but what many don't realise is that they do so much more.

"At the outreaches we have Centrelink join us, the 'hot team' join us, which is the mental health team, the host team joins us, and we have a library.

"And once a month we also have nurses to come along so if anyone has any wounds or needs any flu injections or whatever they're here to assist with all of that as well."

But Kathleen says the main impact and success of Rosies comes from being "present with the people."

"It's not just about providing them with food, warm clothing, bedding, toiletries, and access to all the services and housing assistance - the most important thing of all is that we need to be present with the people.

"When I say to be present - we need to talk to them, because if we don't sit and talk to them, we don't know how they are, how they're travelling, what we can do, where we can direct them, and how we can assist them."

She says this connection is important as it is also a good way to keep track of their regulars and notice when somebody is missing and may be in trouble.

"If we don't see somebody for a while we'll start asking around with our patrons, we'll ask the hot team or other people 'have they been housed or hospitalised or something?'

"We get to know them, we become their family for most of these people, so they know if we don't see them we worry about them and follow up to see if everything's ok and where they are."

But they can't keep track of everybody, which makes worrying part of the package for Rosies volunteers.

"You do get attached and you can't not because they're really lovely people and Rosies never passes judgement... because until you walk in their shoes you can't do the talk."

Kathleen also says there is a stigma and stereotype attached to the homeless population that doesn't ring true on the streets.

"A lot of people stereotype them but it's so incorrect. Until you know exactly where they've come from you really can't pass judgement about why people are where they are and there are many many reasons why people become homeless.

"The people that we do serve really appreciate what they get and they don't take it for granted and they really appreciate what's done for them and given to them."

Rosies at Homeless Connect:

Usually the Rosies team are the first faces patrons see at the front entrance of the event, but this year they will take on a more behind-the-scenes role.

"Rather than out the front we'll probably be in the back room sorting donations, and different funding things that are coming through," Kathleen says.

There are also a lot of students involved in the event this year.

"So we've got to take a little bit of a back step sometimes and allow new ones to come in and have a chance to participate."

To learn more about Rosies head to their website.

People who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, can seek assistance via the Homeless Persons Information Queensland helpline 1800 47 47 53.