At the last Census there were 428 homeless people living in Boroondara. The most visible homeless people are those on the streets “sleeping rough”. However this is only the tip of the iceberg.
The greater portion of homeless are the “invisible” homeless, who sleep in cars, couch surf with friends, squat in deserted homes, live in rooming house accommodation, orlive in hopelessly overcrowded homes.
So the term “homeless” describes many situations ranging from those who choose the homeless lifestyle (a minority) to those for whom circumstances have led them to a homeless situation.
Mary’s story (not her real name).
Mary was in a stable married relationship raising a young family of 3 children in Boroondara. With no notice her husband advised that their marriage was over and he had found another more suitable partner. They were in rented accommodation, and all the family finances had been managed by her husband. There was no cash, only debt and the only asset she had was her car.
Her husband also informed her that, since she had no means of support or accommodation, that he would have custody of the children.
Fortunately Mary was able to access help through the various assistance agencies and her personal situation while still not ideal but it is improving. Her children are with her and she has some temporary accommodation through a generous patron.
Mary’s situation is not unique and her message to us all is that anyone can be only one or two steps from homelessness and it is not necessarily a matter of personal choices. We need to be generous and caring with our homeless people just as we would hope for the same care if it were us.
For homeless people, accommodation options vary from crisis or refuge accommodation, to longer term social and public housing in various styles.
Demand for these services is increasing and the supply is constantly struggling to accommodate this demand
Introducing Servants Community Housing
Boroondara Cares Foundation is partnered with the 8 Rotary Clubs of Boroondara in supporting Servants Community Housing.
Servants Community Housing aims to address the longer term housing requirements for single homeless people. Their 4 houses accommodate approximately 90 residents
“Servants” offer their residents more than just accommodation. They offer a caring community lifestyle that has often been missing from their earlier lives.
“ Respect Dignity and Hope” is their motto