By Jena Carr
The number of people experiencing homelessness in the Geelong region are increasing at the cost-of-living crisis enters its third year, according to new data.
Homelessness support service Orange Sky released new research ahead of National Homelessness Week (August 5 to 11) on July 31, which found that 58 per cent of Victorians were struggling.
Orange Sky Geelong shift leader Margaret Francese said the amount of people using the free mobile laundry and shower service had increased across the region.
“It is tough out there at the moment and I think people acknowledge that everyone is struggling,” she said.
“We have new people all the time and not what you would assume a homeless person is. We have families, young people, mums, and a completely different demographic.
“You can see the fear in their face. They’re fearful because they’re mixing with people they’ve never mixed with before…and it is very confronting when you’re out there on the street.”
The new research also revealed that 55 per cent of Victorians were making moderate or significant lifestyle changes due to rising living costs.
Orange Sky co-founder Nic Marchesi said rising cost-of-living pressures were forcing people to choose between living essentials, bills and rent.
“Homelessness can be much closer than you might think it is. These statistics are people; people that we see each and every day, and people who need our support,” he said.
“We have seen a 21 per cent increase in demand for our services since the last financial year, and this increase is coming from families, retirees, students and middle-aged women and men.”
Ms Francese said she encouraged anyone who was struggling to reach out to services like Orange Sky for help that there wouldn’t be any judgement.
“Sometimes to talk about things and realise you’re not alone is really helpful, because people could be embarrassed and don’t want to speak to their circle of friends,” she said.
“We’ve got six chairs and we’re always happy to have someone come and have a chat to us about their circumstances… We don’t even need to talk. We can just have a cuppa and listen.”
