More people across Geelong are experiencing elements of homelessness, with new data finding a need for more community awareness and education.
Homeless support charity Orange Sky released its latest research during National Homelessness Week (August 4 to 10), which found that 35 per cent of Australians have experienced elements of homelessness.
Geelong volunteer Margaret Francese said a lot of people did not understand why people were homeless, with many people having to choose between a roof over their heads, heating or a meal.
“The demographic of people who use are service has really changed, and there has definitely been an increase in people visiting us in Geelong,” she said.
“We had a gentleman come last week, and he just wanted a pair of socks because he was cold… so, that is really in your face when people don’t even have a pair of socks to wear.
“People assume homelessness is somebody living on the street, but people are living in cars or moving from house to house, so there’s a whole scope of what homelessness is.
“We generally have people who are living on the street, but probably 50 per cent are people who just cannot afford to do their washing or don’t have a washing machine because they are living week to week.”
Co-founder and chief executive Lucas Patchett said that homelessness could happen to anyone, with the service receiving calls for help from people who never thought they would need help.
“We are hearing from students, people with employment, single parents and older Australians,” he said.
“Homelessness is far more than people sleeping rough as a lot of homelessness is hidden from plain sight and there is a greater need for education and awareness.”
