Surge of support for homeless

After an overwhelming response to a Facebook post about the death of a homeless man last week, Soul Soup Patrol has organised a volunteer information night to give people options to help.

A police media spokesman said the 47-year-old man, Matthew Thomas Ward, died in Orelia on Monday, June 8. The cause of death is being determined by the coroner.

The _Telegraph _ understands Mr Ward had a history of drug use.

Soul Soup Patrol co-founder Patty Powell said she put a Facebook post up to say they were saddened by the death and the response from community members wanting to help the homeless was incredible.

"I can't say one way or another if he was a client or not but for us he was homeless and alone," she said

"I know there were other factors, but it is just sad he didn't feel like anyone cared for him."

Ms Powell said the post was shared more than 300 times and viewed by more than 29,000 people in less than 24 hours. "It was amazing, I hadn't seen a response like that before," she said.

With so many people putting their hand up to volunteer, Mrs Powell said she decided to rally community organisations in the area and hold an information night to give people options to help.

Next month, the Salvation Army, St Vincent De Paul, St Brendan's By the Sea Community Church and others will gather at the Salvos' Rockingham centre to share what they do and discuss how community members can get involved.

Rockingham Salvation Army lieutenant Darrell Wilson said the night was an opportunity to tell people the variety of ways they can help.

The information night will be held on Thursday, July 23, at 7pm at the Salvation Army, corner of Willmott Drive and Read Street.

Mrs Powell said she was also calling for donations to buy swags.

Anyone wanting to donate or get involved can email soulsouppatrol@hotmail.com or find the group on Facebook.

All donations are tax deductable.