Australia's Homeless: A National Epidemic?
Help is at hand.
Mission Australia welcomes Homelessness Revolution
Monday, 22 December 2008 08:42
Mission Australia – one of the largest providers of services to homeless people in the country – has welcomed the Rudd Government’s White Paper strategy on tackling homelessness calling it “the most significant development in homeless policy in almost 25 years.”
Speaking at the launch of the White Paper by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd – held at the charity’s Sydney homeless service, the Mission Australia Centre – Mission Australia CEO, Toby Hall, said the report offered hope to thousands of homeless people and those at risk of homelessness.
“The White Paper offers the chance of a revolutionary change in the way we tackle this problem – and it’s just as well because nothing short of a revolution will help turn the growing tide of homelessness in Australia,” said Mr Hall.
“There’s no question that, in broad terms, the country’s approach towards helping people out of homelessness has failed.
“Despite almost two decades of unequalled economic prosperity, the number of homeless people as a percentage of the overall population hasn’t changed. And among some groups – such as people sleeping rough on the street and homeless families – numbers have actually increased. This is shameful – any level of homelessness is unacceptable.
“The fault lies in an over-reliance on an under-resourced crisis accommodation system and not enough emphasis on preventing homelessness in the first place.
“In response, this is a statement of intent to reform the system by focussing on prevention, improving and expanding programs, offering more support to those already in homelessness and demanding that mainstream services – such as employment, health and education – share the responsibility of tackling this problem.
“Backed up by long-term vision and a downpayment of $1.2 billion over the next four years we have a real chance of significantly reducing the number of homeless people in this country.
“Mission Australia is heartened to see so many of our own recommendations contained in the White Paper – particularly with its emphasis on prevention.
“Prevention is critical in reducing homeless numbers. Getting in early before individuals and families get caught in a cycle of homelessness is crucial – once a person becomes entrenched in homelessness it’s very hard to get them out.
“Too many of the people Mission Australia helps have become homeless after exiting a government system – public housing, mental health services or prison. This is, for the most part, avoidable and it’s pleasing to see a commitment to ending this.
“We’re also glad to see a firm set of ambitious but achievable targets for reducing homelessness. Australia has never had targets for reducing homeless numbers before – targets are absolutely essential if we’re going to be able to measure our progress at bringing homeless numbers down.
“I call on governments, charities and businesses to do everything to reach these targets ahead of schedule – for example, I’d like to see us in a position to offer all rough sleepers accommodation well before 2020.
“One aspect of the report which is very close to Mission Australia is a commitment to developing more ‘wrap around’ services for those deeply entrenched in homelessness. By ‘wrap around’ we mean services that are complementary to accommodation support and which are essential to getting homeless people back on their feet.
“Getting out of homelessness – and staying out – is about more than just having a roof over your head. It’s also about being able to participate in your community; having the capacity to find and keep a job, to cook and clean for yourself and to look after your health.
“To achieve this, homeless people need help, not just with housing, but also with dental and psychological health, personal hygiene, literacy and numeracy, self-esteem and fitness.
“But unfortunately, in the current system, where these sorts of supports exist they are usually fragmented, uncoordinated, and have long waiting lists.
“Mission Australia has been pioneering wrap around services with two of its Sydney homeless initiatives – the Mission Australia Centre and the Michael Project. Clients have access not only to accommodation and intensive case management but everything ranging from training in computer skills, cooking classes and access to gym equipment.
“These supports are ‘wrapped around’ the accommodation so no one falls through the cracks.
“We’re also investing heavily in the research behind these initiatives so we can ensure we’re making a difference and getting better outcomes – and I’m glad to see the government’s recognition of the importance of homeless data collection and analysis through its commitment to setting up a national homelessness research strategy.
“Finally, we sincerely welcome the fact that in very difficult economic times the government has found the resources to target this issue.
“This is the best opportunity the nation has had in almost 25 years to tackle this problem and we need to grab it with both hands.
“We must arrive at a situation in this country where homelessness is considered absolutely unacceptable – not something we tolerate as ‘just one of those things’ – and we all have a responsibility to help reach that goal: governments, community organisations and corporate Australia,” said Mr Hall.
Media inquiries: Paul Andrews 0409 665 495