General News
27 June, 2024
Forging an alliance to plead for a basic need
Uniting Vic Tas, The Salvation Army, Wintringham and Grampians Community Health joined forces 12 months ago to form the Wimmera Homelessness Alliance (WHA), to support, collaborate and advocate on behalf of those without a permanent roof over their heads.
Homelessness has become more common as the ongoing cost-of-living housing crisis makes it more difficult for people to stand on their own.
Across the Wimmera region there are more than 100 people who have been identified as sleeping rough.
This means they are sleeping on the streets, in cars or in caravans.
WHA network co-ordinator Michelle Twigger said ongoing funding was deperately needed to help resolve the issue.
"We're handing out tents and sleeping bags to those who can't even get into crisis beds," Ms Twigger said.
"This is not something we want to do, but there isn't much we can do without funding."
More social and safe housing is needed across the Wimmera to accomodate people - predominantly women and children - escaping family violence.
"We put them up in hotels and motels but now those are all full," Ms Twigger said.
Ms Twigger and her team are working extremely hard around the region to try to help those who are doing it tough.
WHA chairperson Adam Liversage said homelessness was becoming more visible in the CBD.
"Affordability rates are sitting at less than one per cent, vacancy rates are sitting at less than one per cent," he said.
Mr Liversage said it was not just the homeless population that required housing, with workers and industries relying on housing in Horsham too.
"It's a bit of a battle," he said.
"We'll keep prioritising and keep advocating for more housing and programs across the regions," he said.
WHA's key priorities are finding crisis accommodation and - eventually - homes for young people and people fleeing family violence.
"We just need so many houses," Ms Twigger said.