Homeless given shelter
But service providers predict a tough winter
GOLD COAST homeless are being put up in temporary accommodation including hotels with fears those still on the streets will suffer as support services are hamstrung by the coronavirus crisis and as winter kicks in.
Rosies Gold Coast co-ordinator Kathleen Vlasic said the virus had impacted homelessness with many drop-in centres closed.
“It’s an impact in the sense so many organisations that look after the homeless aren’t able to give them the normal service they would give them because of the virus,” she said.
With Rosies Southport closed there was a “lot of struggle out there” because they didn’t have the normal contact. It would only worsen for those who remain on the streets during winter, as it was a time they desperately relied on drop-in centres, she said.
But she said numbers sleeping rough had reduced as many found suitable accommodation. Walk with Us charity’s Nikki Sega said she was aware of former regulars being housed in hotels because she often delivered food to their doors.
Meanwhile, 16 homeless have been identified as holding Southport CBD “to ransom”, prompting an MP to launch a parliamentary petition to get intervention.
Southport MP Rob Molhoek launched the petition after being confronted by a homeless man in the old mall area near the Australia Fair shopping centre. “I’ve been visiting Southport CBD on a daily basis monitoring the situation,” Mr Molhoek said. “During one of my visits, I was confronted by a guy who said ‘It’s not our fault, you’re not providing us any facilities’. These people don’t need facilities, they need somewhere to live or a place in a rehab facility. More than 16 have been identified living in or around a timber pergola adjacent to Swannies in the Nerang St Mall. speakers in the roof to chase off would-be squatters.
Others have put bars and gates around their entrance ways.
Jason has a different view to the problem.
“Someone just has to give a damn,” he said.
“Either the government or someone with money has to build shelters on the Coast.
“If I was a millionaire it would be something I would do.”
“I am particularly worried about the health of these people and equally concerned about the wellbeing of many residents, workers and students who are not only being intimidated on a daily basis but at risk from COVID-19.”
Mr Molhoek’s petition details how community groups provide vital services to the homeless but many had not been able to operate due to the pandemic.
Labor Gaven MP Meaghan Scanlon said steps had been taken to ensure safety of the homeless or those in overcrowded accommodation.
A COVID-19 housing package along with the Gold Coast Homelessness Network had provided 225 homes to Gold Coasters “in their time of need”, she said.
Ms Scanlon said service providers greceived $700,000 in funding to provide temporary accommodation and other support.
“An additional $120,000 has been allocated for enhanced outreach services on the Gold Coast for those who are sleeping rough,” she said.