Tough mission to find shelter and bed
Thu 13 November 2008
Mary Saville, Journalism
Homelessness on the Sunshine Coast is at crisis point, with the problem growing and affecting a wider range of people.
Sunshine Coast Lifeline general manager Chris Lancaster said homelessness on the Sunshine Coast is a “large problem” with housing shelters frequently full.
Mr Lancaster explained it is hard to know the extent of the problem because there is no homeless persons registration, and “homeless people don’t walk around with a sign on them saying they are homeless…they look like just you and me”. 
A Lions Emergency Accommodation Centre spokesperson, who did not want to be named, said in August alone 288 people called the centre needing emergency accommodation.
The Queensland Government Department of Communities reported in the January to June 2007 period an average of 296 calls per week was made to Homeless Persons Information Queensland.
The Department of Communities also reported that 87 per cent of these calls were from people in South East Queensland, with 11 per cent from the Sunshine Coast.
Both Mr Lancaster and the Lions spokesperson said homelessness on the Coast is a growing problem.
Sunshine Coast residents are homeless for a range of reasons.
Mr Lancaster explained people are homeless due to the rise in the cost of buying a house, and the rise in rental prices. Another reason for the homeless crisis is that Centrelink payments and wages have not gone up in proportion to the cost of living.
The Lions spokesperson agreed the rental crisis was one of the reasons behind homelessness on the Sunshine Coast.
Mental health problems also contribute to the increase in homeless people. The Lions spokesperson said some people who have mental health problems are not able to manage their accommodation and, even if they do have the money, they still find themselves homeless.
Mr Lancaster and the Lions spokesperson said people who have gambling, alcohol and drug problems also find it hard to keep a home, as do people who suffer domestic violence.
There are a range of people who are finding themselves without shelter.
Mr Lancaster said people as young as 14 were living on the street as a result of them having to leave home because of tough situations and broken families. Struggling low income families and single parents are also other key groups prone to homelessness, or who are at risk of becoming homeless.
Sometimes people simply get behind in rent and are then black-listed and unable to find accommodation.
The Lions spokesperson also explained singles with no children need emergency accommodation because they get lower Centrelink payments compared with families, and it is therefore harder for them to afford accommodation.
Homeless people often live in parks, move from one friend’s house to another, or find shelter in emergency accommodation.
Lions Emergency Accommodation Centre offers accommodation to people for up to 13 weeks.
The Lions spokesperson said after this time the clients often move out of the area or to a caravan part because they cannot normally get a government-supplied house in that period of time.
Living in a caravan park is difficult for families, especially those with young children, the Lions spokesperson explained.
The Queensland Government Department of Communities reported “people who are homeless can often become disconnected from society and also do not enjoy the same standard of health as other people in the community”.
Mr Lancaster said homelessness affects people’s “mental and social wellness”. People who do not have shelter, a necessity of life, can consequently experience mental health problems such as depression.
The Lions spokesperson said homeless people find it hard to keep a job because they are generally focusing on trying to put a “roof over their head and trying to survive”.
Additionally, homeless people usually lose their jobs because they do not have access to hygiene facilities such as showers and washing machines.
They often lack an education and when they grow up they are therefore unable to find work.
The Queensland Government Department of Communities reported that “to combat homelessness and its effects, it is vital to intervene early and help people to find pathways to more stable living”.
Mr Lancaster said it is vital that homeless people seek help.
Homeless people can call the 24hr confidential, free of charge, Homeless Information Line, 1800 474 753 or call the 24hr Lifeline counselling number, 13 11 14.
Image(s) designed by Mary Saville