By ALANA MITCHELSON
A former homeless man is calling on support from community groups and volunteers to help with his plans for a shelter in Geelong.
Josh Rawkins said he wanted to do everything in his power to support vulnerable people who were sleeping rough on Geelong streets after experiencing the frightening reality of homelessness.
“I believe that, no matter what their circumstances, everyone deserves a roof over their head.
“I want people to understand that homelessness can happen to anyone.”
Mr Rawkins was “kicked out” of home while still “very young”, he said.
“When I was homeless I was petrified every day and night. I had a man threaten to kill me and my best mate got stabbed right in front of me.
“I’ve even eaten out of bins, which is so disgusting to think about. No one should have to do that.”
The 26-year-old said he sometimes invited homeless people home overnight but planned to initiate a shelter so they had a long-term option.
“There needs to be more services to help people on the streets and to help them get out of homelessness.
“It crushes me that people just walk past homeless people all the time.”
Mr Rawkins said social media users had expressed interest in helping with his shelter idea.
He wanted to create a space where people could donate non-perishable items.
Mr Rawkins also planned to approach bakeries for donations of leftover bread.
Samaritan House Geelong co-ordinator Josephine Barnes said the city lacked a safe place for homeless people with mental health issues.
“There is a very pressing need for the mentally ill on our streets,” Ms Barnes said.
“There are a lot of homeless people in Geelong with mental health and addiction problems who need a safe place to live while stabilising on medication.
“I wish there were services that offer a safe environment for them because they’re so vulnerable to winding up in the criminal justice system rather than getting the support they need.”
Ms Barnes said overnight shelter was available but day services were needed because Geelong lacked “semi-long-term accommodation”.
About 100 young people are on a waiting list for support and accommodation in the Geelong region, latest figures show.
About 662 people, including children as young as 10, are homeless on any given night in Geelong, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics, with at least 150 sleeping rough.
Mr Rawkins said anyone who wanted to help could phone him on 0403 321 754.
