3 June 2011

Homelessness in Canberra

| johnboy
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The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has released its data on use of homelessness services nationally. Specific to the ACT they note:

— the rate of use of specialist homelessness services was slightly higher than the national average
— the age profile of clients was younger than in other jurisdictions
— seeking support primarily because of the breakdown of a family or other relationship was the highest nationally
— the lengths of support and accommodation were the longest nationally and were far longer than those in other jurisdictions
— clients were more often living in public housing before and after support than those in other jurisdictions
— clients were more often employed both before and after support than those in other jurisdictions.

[Photo credit: RobotSkirts, Attribution licence]

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So, we live in the city with the highest average income in the country, and our homeless are younger than average. What does this tell us?

Homeless said :

Been here for 4 days, and I’m the first to comment. Yeah, that goes to show how much Canberrans don’t care about homeless and homelessness issues. 🙁

I have worked in the homeless sector and for Community Housing. It is almost impossible to obtain an affordable rental property in Canberra and surrounding regional areas unless you are on a very high, stable income with magnificent rental references. The rents are so high that Commonwealth Rent Assistance doesn’t really help either. There seems to be a perception that wait lists for social/public housing are shorter here which is probably true but Canberra is also smaller with less housing stock – and people rarely move out once they are in. Housing ACT has trouble housing the people on its priority list – let alone the ones on the high needs and standard waiting lists.

If you are single and can handle sharing, maybe you could find something on allhomes.com.au under the share section. Community Housing also advertise properties on there. We sometimes used the Dickson Backpackers as a temporary place for people to stay too Ph: 6262 9922.

First Point (1800 1 POINT or 1800 176 468) has been introduced by Housing ACT’s Central Intake Service for Homelessness. I don’t know how effective they are as the homelessness sector is usually chocka’s but worth a try. Citizens Advice Bureau has great info on homelessness services and where you can go for cheap meals and emergency relief http://www.citizensadvice.org.au/

I genuinely wish you all the best.

Homeless said :

Been here for 4 days, and I’m the first to comment. Yeah, that goes to show how much Canberrans don’t care about homeless and homelessness issues. 🙁

I’m not sure that it’s a lack of care, Homeless. I thought of it as more of a respectful silence. This article does not really provide much material for the sarcastic repartee’ so beloved here on RA.
Moreover, it fails draw any conclusions regarding how to address the particular features of homelessness here in the ACT.

I don’t think people don’t care, Homeless. I just think people feel helpless. What can we do about it? Like most people, I support charities that are there to help people experiencing homelessness, but there’s not much else I can do. I can’t create jobs, can’t build housing, can’t improve the public housing scheme, can’t provide crisis accommodation. All I can do is vote for social equality and give where I can. We do care, mate.

*your* comment

I read it, but they’re just stats. Not much to comment on, as you comment shows…

Been here for 4 days, and I’m the first to comment. Yeah, that goes to show how much Canberrans don’t care about homeless and homelessness issues. 🙁

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