Homeless People in Australia

I was going to create a new blog for this topic, but decided against it, as there is no guarantee anybody would read it regardless of whether it was here or on a separate blog.  

I have been watching Filthy Rich and Homeless on SBS TV.

https://www.sbs.com.au/topics/voices/culture/article/2018/08/08/how-you-can-help-australias-homeless

  Five wealthy Australians volunteer to live on the streets for  ten days, to experience life as a homeless person, on the streets, in crisis accommodation, hostels or boarding houses.  Anyone who has been watching this program will no doubt empathise with my feelings.  Those who haven't seen the show need to watch it if you want to know more because there is no way I can describe what I have seen.

I was one of many people living a comfortable life, ie. a roof over my head, food and clothing, etc., and feeling sorry for, but at the same time a little disgusted with people who choose to live on the streets.  I thought that many of those people were there because 'they had no choice' or because they chose to for whatever reason.  I was so wrong, so judgemental and narrow minded.

During the COVID19 lockdown days, I met two homeless people here in Eltham.  The first was John, who used to sell "The Big Issue".  The Big Issue magazine is a fortnightly, independent magazine that's sold on the streets by homeless, marginalised and disadvantaged people.  Vendors buy copies of the magazine for $4.50 and sell them for $9, keeping the difference. Since its inception in Australia in 1996, more than 13 million magazines have been sold, putting $30 million into the pockets of disadvantaged Australians.

When COVID19 hit, the magazine stopped production because the sellers obviously would not be able to sell it on the streets any more, therefore leaving the sellers without an income and money to survive.  John and his partner Kate were reduced to begging.  I got talking to them both over the next few weeks, and supported them with small things such as money, gloves, and mats to sit on when they were sitting on the concrete footpaths.  Kate said something that resonated with me – she said nobody chooses to be homeless.  They choose not to live where they were before.  Every human being needs a home of some sort, where they can sleep at night, and feel safe.  That's all.  Safe, out of the weather, and somewhere to wash and go to the toilet.

The tv show presenters ask what can be done? What is being done?  Is it enough?  The reality is that most of the support for homeless people does not come from government.  It comes from NGOs such as the Salvation Army, The Red Cross, St Vincent de Paul, and many more.  Some of those organisations do receive some funding from governments.  Well meaning people put food and other essentials into collection bins at supermarkets which are presumably distributed to those in need. 

What governments – federal, state and local – all need to do is put money directly into not only basic housing for homeless, but support measures.  The reasons for homelessness are many:  mental health, drug abuse, low self esteem due to years of mental abuse, family violence.  The victims all need not only somewhere to live, but specialised help to get them back on their feet as best they can, and most of them want to, but they don't have the ability  to do it.

I have written to my local council, my state MP, and my federal MP – asking what they are doing about homeless people.  The more people who do this, the more our politicians will have to get things done.  I am sick and tired of seeing millions of dollars spent on sports, the arts and entertainment.  How do you think homeless people feel when they see countless stadiums and sports centres being built or upgraded, while they are living on the streets or in substandard housing?  When aged care homes are handed over to refugees instead of providing temporary or otherwise homes for our own homeless people?  When they see protestors marching through cities demanding justice for black people.  Black Lives Matter?    If I was 40 years younger, I would be out there kicking butts and carrying placards saying "Homeless Lives Matter More".

But I'm not 32 any more, I am 72 years old, and all that I can do is write this on my blog and hope like minded people will read it and join me in protesting on behalf of those that can't because they don't have access to any of the things that others take for granted.