By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
HOMELESSNESS is increasing in Geelong despite government efforts to reduce it, according to a local charity.
Samaritan House Geelong fundraising committee chair Lawrie Miller said Census figures indicated the city’s homeless population was up by hundreds instead of reducing following a “massive” injection of government funds.
“No doubt some of this increase in numbers could be attributed to the number of refugee arrivals in Geelong,” Mr Miller said.
“But we know firsthand that the homelessness problem is not diminishing and the many homeless people in Geelong desperately need every bit of support with overnight accommodation they can get.”
Mr Miller cited the figures as Samaritan House prepared for its second annual sleep out fundraiser on 3 October at Geelong Racing Club.
Samaritan House is raising funds for a building project to add another 20 or so rooms to its existing facility at Moolap.
Mr Miller said the project would cost around $650,000 to complete, including furniture and fit-out.
Sponsored participants bring their own swag or sleeping bag and can choose open or enclosed undercover areas, greeted by a barbecue breakfast in the morning.
Mr Miller said sleep-out registrations were available online at samaritanhousegeelong.com.au or facebook.com/SamaritanHouseGeelong.
