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City of Bayswater publishes brochure to help the homeless

Toyah ShakespeareEastern Reporter

WITH a growing number of homeless people in the community, the City of Bayswater has launched a new brochure to help address the issue.

The brochure has information about homeless support services in and around Bayswater, including housing, legal, financial and mental health support.

In May 2016, there were 9600 people homeless in WA and according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare the main reasons were domestic violence and relationship issues, financial difficulties and accommodation issues.

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Mayor Barry McKenna said there was “real need” to develop a resource aimed at providing practical advice.

“Often our rangers are the first point of contact for people finding themselves in this situation,” he said.

“Our rangers are now in a position to contact outreach services directly and facilitate a face-to-face meeting in a park or public place.

“Moving people on just doesn’t work, we need to be part of the solution, not the problem.”

Clem, a former FIFO worker who used to live with family in his home, shared his story of homelessness in the brochure.

After a relationship breakdown , unemployment and health conditions, he did not have a home and found himself sleeping in his car.

“You could say I lived the nomadic life, which is not for everyone, it definitely had its moments but I would catch myself at times yearning for a home, which feels like mortar and bricks that could provide me with stability and security,” he said.

Clem said he “managed to muster the courage to ask for help” and found himself at 55 Central crisis accommodation in Maylands, the first time in years he had a room to himself.

He now, after many attempts, has broken the cycle of homelessness and has had his own Housing Authority home for a year.

The brochure includes contacts for services available including referral services, mental health and counselling, legal support and drug and alcohol services and accommodation and support available.

Derbari Yerrigan Health Service in Bayswater, short-term accommodation for clients from remote and rural communities, is included.

Maylands-based Shopfront is also listed, a service that provides food, assistance with clothing and finding accommodation, bedding, furniture, transport vouchers and washing facilities for those in need.