Down and out: Radio announcer Leroy Brown gets a taste of life on the streets ahead of his homeless challenge next week. Picture: Tommy Ritchie 55944
Erin Pearson
A RADIO announcer has challenged “high profile” figures to sleep on the streets of Geelong with him next week.
K-Rock’s Leroy Brown said he was seeking sports people, politicians and big business owners to help him promote the plight of the city’s homeless.
Mr Brown said he would spend five days on the streets reliant only on the services available to the homeless in Geelong and a dole-size allowance of $230.
“We don’t really know how many people are sleeping on our streets and near our rivers, he said.
“A large percentage of society has a perception of (homeless) people that’s crap. These homeless people need our compassion.”
Mr Brown denied his plan was a stunt to drum up publicity and ratings.
His four nights on the street would begin Monday, he said.
Mr Brown expected to spend nights with people often homeless in Geelong, such as recently released prisoners and the mentally ill.
“I don’t know what to expect but I don’t think any homeless person does,” he said.
“I’ll have to use the services available to me and if I spend three nights on the street I spend three nights on the street.”
K-rock promotions manager Daryl Reider said the station hoped to give listeners an insight into the lives of disadvantaged Geelong residents.
“If we can raise awareness of people’s situations and even highlight the services out there that are available we can hopefully help people avoid finding themselves in a terrible situation,” he said.
Mr Reider said Mr Brown would provide live crosses, personal photo diaries and interviews with homeless people.
The Salvation Army housing manager Lisa Dalla-Zuanna said Mr Brown would experience the “rougher end” of homelessness.
“For someone to take on a week is big ask. I’m sure by night three Leroy might want to spend some of his money on a motel room because showering becomes a difficulty and all the personal things we take for granted are taken away.”
Ms Dalla-Zuanna said most of Geelong’s homeless were “couch surfers” and “shed sleepers” but up to 30 were on the streets without a bed each night.
She said anyone needing housing, bond or rental cost assistance could visit The Salvation Army at 26-28 Bellerine Street, Geelong
