FAQs
+ Why are people homeless?
In Victoria alone, there are close to 35,000 people on the waiting list for public housing, with 10,000 of those applications for early housing. People are waiting anywhere from 2 to ten years on the general list and up to three years for emergency shelter. Public housing stocks have been dwindling which is putting increasing pressure on the public housing wait list as well. The country wide property sales boom has pushed people who would have been able to afford their own property 10 years ago back into the rental market. This also means that people on lower incomes are having to move further out of the city as rents increase and affordable properties become scarce. However, infrastructure can be slow to catch up so these people are spending increasing time and money to be able to access cheaper food and the jobs market.
+ What are the most common reasons people find themselves facing homelessness?
39.9% accommodation issues (housing crisis, inadequate or inappropriate dwellings)
36.2% domestic violence and relationship issues (family breakdown, violence and assault)
13.2% transition from care/custody, lack of support, discrimination)
7.9% financial difficulties (housing stress, unemployment)
3.7% health reasons (mental health and substance abuse issues)
+ What should I do when I see, or am approached by, a person who is homeless?
The best place to start is by remembering the humanity of each man or woman you see in a public place. Treat each and every person with dignity – look them in the eye when you respond and speak as confidently as you can.
If you have time, stop and talk with them. Ask them their first name and share yours. Remember that small acts of kindness can have tremendously positive repercussions in the lives of others.
If you have the time and money, offer to buy them a cup of tea, or a sandwich.
Do some work to find out what open access centres, agencies or churches are open for people who are homeless or vulnerable in the area where you live or work. Knowing what is available allows you to ask the person if they know about these and whether they have used them.
Encourage people to use the services available and take positive steps away from the streets.
If you would like to make a more substantial, ongoing difference to help people who are homeless, you could consider making a donation or volunteering at a service like St Mary’s House of Welcome.