End homelessness
Up to 100 families are homeless or face the risk of becoming homeless in Baw Baw Shire each night.
This is the shocking reality of a mostly hidden homeless problem in Gippsland.
Quantum Support Services stream manager of homelessness and community strengthening Adrian Terranova said “it’s a very real issue in our backyard”.
Mr Terranova, together with representatives of Quantum, YACCA and Baw Baw Shire, visited Drouin on World Homeless Day last Tuesday to hold a barbecue raising awareness and working towards ending homelessness.
Quantum traditionally hold a community event during the first week in August to mark Homelessness Week in Australia. However, this year the support service also marked World Homeless Day on October 10.
“It’s just a day to get together and engage with our community,” said Mr Terranova.
Mr Terranova said it was important to remember there are three categories of homeless – primary, secondary and tertiary.
“When we talk about homelessness, people say there’s not much in our area because they’re not confronted with people sleeping under park benches.”
He said “we don’t have a lot of rough sleeping” - or primary homeless - in our area. However, secondary homeless of those in basic caravan parks or tertiary homeless who are “couch surfing” or staying with friends is of concern.
While some locals may take for granted the essentials of food, water and a roof over their head, many Gippslanders don’t have these vital needs met.
Mr Terranova said the urban sprawl extending into the district had impacted on lower income people and families. He said clients were attempting to secure private rentals against gainfully employed people moving from the city to this great region and “it’s a great battle”.
“The urban sprawl is impacting us and making private rental in Baw Baw almost unattainable for people on low incomes.”
He said rent for a three-bedroom house was currently about $400.
Mr Terranova said many locals had stopped by the barbecue to enjoy a sausage, have a chat and take brochures.