There are 30 fewer people sleeping rough in Bathurst tonight, thanks to a new program being run by Mission Australia. The Central West Homelessness Action Plan (HAP) targets single adult men who are homeless – or at risk of being homeless – in Bathurst and Orange.
“The program was implemented in response to the significant number of single men presenting to services who were in need of support,” Mission Australia’s service manager for the Central West Luke Butcher said.
“It targets single men over the age of 18 who are either homeless and sleeping rough, or people who are in need of support to maintain accommodation.”
Team leader Darren Hunter said the plan had already assisted 30 people.
“We have put a roof over these people’s heads and, in addition, we have found long-term accommodation for seven men in Bathurst and Orange,” he said.
Among those who have been assisted is a man who has been sleeping in Machattie Park for five years.
“We have also helped a number of people who have been sleeping in their cars, one for five years,” Mr Hunter said.
“There are people sleeping out throughout Bathurst, not just in the CBD, and there are also people couch surfing each night.”
Mr Hunter said homelessness is a significant problem in Bathurst.
“If you walk through Hyde Park in Sydney you expect to see homeless people on the park benches, dressed in tattered clothing, and with three stripey bags or a shopping trolley.
“When you come to the Central West, just because you don’t have the visual reminder doesn’t mean the problem doesn’t exist.
“The number of homeless is yet to be clarified, but we are maintaining a database now that should give us reliable figures in six to 12 months.
“The leading causes of homelessness are financial management, debt, domestic violence, mental health issues, drug and alcohol problems, and a tight rental market.
“There is a growing number of people from Sydney looking for accommodation in this area and first home buyers moving into the market are reducing the number of houses available.
“We have also had a number of victims of domestic violence seek assistance.
“Traditionally, men are usually seen as the perpetrators of domestic violence, but this isn’t always the case.”
The HAP program aims to break the cycle of homelessness.
“The program breaks new ground in providing a range of support services as well as brokerage money to fund such things as medical appointments,” Mr Butcher said.
People can self access the service by calling in to 161 Rankin Street, or phoning (02) 6331 5603.
Above photo: Pictured at the Mission Australia office opening are Darren Hunter, Carol McManus and Luke Butcher. Courtesy of The Western Advocate.
This article was originally posted in The Western Advocate
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