The Facts - Homelessness

The Facts.
Each day 1 in every 200 Australians are homeless, without safe, secure or affordable housing. More than 160 000 Australians
experience homelessness each year. One in every 3 homeless Australians is a child. Every day, half the people who request
immediate accommodation from the homeless service system are turned away. Two in every 3 children who need support
are also turned away from homeless assistance services each day.
Extracted from homelessnessaustralia.org.au

I have yet to really raise the topic of homelessness yet, but it's an issue that has been ever present in my mind. Working in Sydney City, i am confronted on a daily basis of the reality of this issue. Numerous men, sit on the walkways, destitute and run down. Some try to entertain, others busying themselves reading, while most just lie there sleeping. What you see here is only one aspect of homelessness. The definition of homelessness as cited on homelessnessaustralia.org.au is

A person who does not have access to safe, secure, adequate housing. A person is considered not to have safe, secure adequate housing if the only housing to which they have access:

• damages, or is likely to damage, their health; or
• threatens their safety; or
• marginalises them through failing to provide access to:
  - adequate personal amenities; or
  - the economic and social supports that a home normally affords; or
• places them in circumstances which threaten or adversely affect the adequacy, safety, security, affordability of that housing; or
• has no security of tenure – that is, they have no legal right to continued occupation of their home.

In recent times, we have seen great natural tragedies occur around the world, China / Burma / Japan. Understandably, we empathize with those affected from the loss of their livelihood and loss of loved ones. However, it can be all to easy to forget that tragedy is much more apparent closer to home.

Having five dollars to spend on food a day, really is insignificant when compared to those who just don't what they can expect to receive during the day.
I have a roof over my head, a gas stove to cook with and great friends with whom i socialize and share a meal. All these aspects, when converted to a monetary value far exceed the $5 i live on just to eat.

If you want to know more information, there are numerous sites for you check out.
Mission Australia
St Vincent De Paul
Homelessness Australia