Ask Izzy campaign targets plight of homeless

MORE Australians than ever before are without a place to call home or are sleeping rough.

Reverend Bill Crews of the Exodus Foundation, who has been working with homeless people since 1970, said the current situation was the worst he had ever seen.

“There is increasing discrepancy between the rich and the poor,” he said.

“There’s now a lot of contract work, which means there are many people who are underemployed and just aren’t able to pay for housing.”

Rev Crews said the increasing incidence of domestic violence meant growing numbers of women and children were sleeping in cars or on the street. “It’s devastating the number of people we are seeing on the streets,” he said.

While homelessness data is not yet available from the most recent census, it is estimated that about 23,000 Australians are sleeping rough, an increase of 20 per cent since 2011.

In response, the Bulletin today launches the Ask Izzy power card campaign to help the homeless.

Ask Izzy is a mobile app and website for the homeless to search for services, such as food and shelter, in their area.

Members of the public can buy a $15 power card to charge a phone for four hours and help keep the needy in touch with vital services.

The Federal Government will today begin making available $117.2 million in key funding to support more than 700 critical frontline services.

Women and children experiencing domestic violence and young people experiencing homelessness will be given a priority.

To donate to the AskIzzy campaign go to westpac.com.au/askizzy