More than 130 members of the St Joseph’s Primary School community raised awareness and funds for homelessness with a ‘Candlelight for Compassion” walk last Friday evening.

For parent Marisa Primerano service to others, especially to those who are marginalised is part of their faith.

“We’ve always been encouraged to serve and lead in that way,” she said.

Ms Primerano said it is important for people to understand those less fortunate need their help.

“Not everyone looks or seems to be in unfortunate circumstances but there are a lot of people in that position locally too,” she said.

Ms Primerano said Friday night’s large crowd walked around town with lanterns drew people’s attention with some vehicles stopping as they waited to cross the road.

“There’s a sense of community and caring by the St Joseph’s community and shows how close a community can get together for a good cause," she said.

The lantern walk fell on the feast day of Australia's first Saint, Mary McKillop while also part of National Homelessness week (4 to 10 August).

St Joseph’s Catherine Bijker said funds of more than $400 raised on the night given to Quercus will help the Neighbourhood House support the most vulnerable in the region.

St Joseph’s Primary School principal Carly Avery said raising awareness and funds is vital due to today’s cost-of-living expenses.

“At our school we consistently try to raise awareness around different social justice issues,” she said.

“We value educating our students not just academically but also as young people who are empathic and engaged in their local community.”

Ms Avery said St Joseph's has a long-standing relationship with Quercus with students supporting them through work in their community garden and the Op Shop.

“The wide-ranging work that Quercus does for our most vulnerable within our community is so valuable and recognition of this work needs to be consistent across our community,” she said.

“The gifts and experiences that our students and families get back when connecting to Quercus are valuable life experiences."

A non-perishable food drive ran alongside the event with the huge number of items received to be distributed to people in need.

Quercus Beechworth’s community support coordinator Siobhan Toner said the neighbourhood house appreciated the incredible effort by the school, parents and children.

“The event was more than a fundraiser as it showed care and compassion and empower families and children to help others” she said.

Ms Toner said the walk showed how important it is to help one another.

“It’s really important to show the message of what a home is and homelessness means," she said.

She said raising funds to help people takes the pressure off those who are homeless or threatened by homelessness.

“Quercus Beechworth here to help either directly or refer people to other organisations," she said.

“As a strong community we can help, and they don’t have to face homelessness alone.

“We have a grim situation of homelessness or people finding themselves at risk of homelessness.”

Families shared a soup dinner at the school following the walk.