OVERVIEW OF THE HOMELESSNESS ISSUES FACING THE WEST LAKE MACQUARIE REGION
A recent homelessness survey conducted by the Rotary Clubs of Toronto in conjunction with Local Member of Parliament, Greg Piper, confirmed the existence of a serious homelessness problem in the region. A range of organisations with involvement in homelessness confirmed the existence of the problem. In fact the more directly involved the welfare organisation was with assisting individuals the greater was the knowledge of the extent of the problem.
Homelessness in the West Lakes area occurs across the full spectrum of levels from:
• primary where people sleep in parks, under bridges or in cars;
• secondary where people “couch surf” temporarily with friends/family while often sleeping on verandas or garages;
• tertiary where people have no lease or security such as caravan park accommodation or the like.
Primary homelessness is a regular problem and agencies were able to identify known parks and bridge approaches in the region where sleeping rough occurs. Secondary homelessness is identified as a common occurrence within the region.
The very nature and complexity of homelessness, intertwined with other social and economic factors make it very difficult to give absolute statistics.
The annual report of the West Lake Macquarie Family Support Service Inc. identifies that difficulties with housing stress is the most significant singular issue being presented for assistance.
A recent survey of youth in the general West Lakes area by another organisation found that 5% of students surveyed had been homeless at some point whilst 35% of students knew someone who had been homeless.
The Hunter Regional Homelessness Action Plan for the Hunter acknowledges that the “Hunter is experiencing a shortage of housing stock for crisis accommodation”. The difficulty of obtaining crisis accommodation by the agencies in areas such as caravan parks and motels, means that people need to be moved to other areas away from their support base. Wesley Mission, who deal with a large number of homelessness cases, needs to transfer people to accommodation in Windale or Hamilton. The survey findings confirm the urgent need for crisis accommodation to be provided within the region.
The Rotary Clubs of Toronto in conjunction with The Salvation Army and with the support of Greg Piper are seeking to raise funds to enable the establishment of emergency accommodation in the West Lakes area.
We are seeking to raise $100,000 with Paddlefest 2011 being one of our fundraisers. If you would like to participate in Paddlefest 2011 or make a donation please go to our secure online donation page.
