By BRIDGET SCOTT
Salvation Army says homeless numbers up this Christmas…
WITH Christmas just around the corner, this traditionally cheerful time isn’t so happy for some, and a mere stark reminder that they don’t have a table to eat from this festive season.
Rates of homelessness have hit a peak in Cranbourne, as families and individuals continue to struggle with the cost of living.
Kerry Jose from the Cranbourne Salvation Army branch said they had seen a “big increase” in the number of people who had come through their doors lately.
“Our shower facilities have been used more regularly,” she said.
She also added that with Christmas time upon us, food becomes a real issue with more parcels handed out to the community at this time of year.
“We try to make up nice hampers so people have nice food on the table this Christmas,” she said.
Ms Jose said she had seen many new people come through their doors lately had put it down to the high cost of living.
“Mortgages, rental costs and general costs of living have made it difficult,” she said.
Ms Jose said the homeless tend to either ‘couch surf’ – shift from different houses each day or stay in boarding houses or live on the street.
Cathy Willmott from Cranbourne Information Support Service (CISS) agreed that there has been a significant increase in the amount of homeless in the area.
“Mortgage stress would be the number one (factor) as it’s a high growth corridor,” she said.
“Young families and young people are overcommitting.”
“Essentially, people are committing to properties beyond their means to maintain.”
Ms Willmott said there were both legal and illegal boarding houses in the area, but their service, as well as others, aimed to assist homeless people wherever they could.
This year, CISS will partner with the Cranbourne Salvation Army to provide a free lunch on Christmas Day for anyone in the community who had nowhere else to eat. She listed other ways that their centre helps the homeless, which included a swag for those doing it rough.
“It’s a wonderful swag and doubles as a backpack,” she said.
“It has a secure pack where belongings can be included and a protective sheet which can act as a wind and rain barrier.”
“Although it won’t ever replace home.”
Ms Jose said they provided meals for those who were homeless as well as showers and were in the process of establishing a cafeteria.
She said without food donations from the public, groups would not be able to cope, particularly at this time of year.
“It’s great what the community can and will do at this time of the year,” she said.
“We really do all need it all year round.”
