Disabled, sick left ‘homeless’

By John Van Klaveren
A SHORTFALL in supported accommodation is leaving more than 100 people “basically homeless” in Geelong, according to a human services agency.
Karingal chief Daryl Starkey said the disabled and mentally ill people were the “hidden homeless” because they were in inadequate, inappropriate or no housing at all.
The problem was spreading with the region’s ageing population as demand for supported accommodation increased, he said.
Karingal estimated more than 157 additional people would need supported accommodation in the next seven years because of disability or mental illness.
“That survey was done three years ago, so I imagine that number’s only increased,” Mr Starkey said.
A state parliamentary inquiry two years ago identified 92 people in the Barwon south-west region in need of immediate supported accommodation, he said.
“As parents get older, their ability to care for a child or other family member with a disability gets more difficult.
Mr Starkey said people with disabilities or mental illness were often “tucked away in long-term or temporary respite facilities”.
“You’ll find them on waiting lists and in insecure or unsafe housing, motels, caravan parks or cabins with no resources and no staff support.”
Mr Starkey said Karingal had launched its first public appeal for funds and in-kind goods to build a respite facility at Leopold.
Melaluka would provide respite so people with disabilities could stay home longer before needing supported accommodation.
Mr Starkey said Melaluka would provide 2500 nights of respite accommodation annually for up to 300 clients.
Karingal was seeking cash, product and in-kind donations for the project.”
Mr Starkey said information about the Melaluka project and how to help was available by phoning on 5249 8919 or visiting karingal.org.au and clicking on the site’s ‘Get Involved’ tab.