Hidden homeless

By Bridget Brady
HOMELESS people are sleeping rough in their cars as they struggle to cope with the cost of living.
Welfare agencies say the “hidden homeless” are lining up to receive help as more and more people find it hard to make ends meet.
The Cranbourne Information and Support Service (CISS manager Leanne Petrides said she knew of many people who slept in their cars in Cranbourne because they had nowhere else to live.
“It was staggering and very difficult to discover about the housing stress and homelessness in the area,” Ms Petrides said.
“It (homelessness) is really quite hidden.
“A lot of people are living in their cars, but what shocked me more is that these people are like you and me.”
Ms Petrides said the CISS, which offers assistance, information and referral for people in need, responded to 13,611 individual cases during the last financial year.
This was an increase of 1200 from the previous year.
Ms Petrides said it was normal to see about 30 people coming in each day for food vouchers and other forms of emergency relief.
“Every year is busier than the year before and I can’t see how that’s going to diminish any time soon.”
She predicted the number of vulnerable and disadvantaged people would increase as Cranbourne’s population soared.
Ms Petrides said she could count on one hand the number of days the CISS did not run out of food vouchers during the last two months.
“We are seeing different faces come in that we used to.”
It was vital that a “mass investment” was made in public housing and emergency accommodation, she said.
“It is easier to find shelter for a homeless cat than a mother and her 16-year-old son.”
She said Christmas was a struggle for many families, and the CISS already received questions about their school support program.
“The cost of uniforms and books is too much for some.
“These are ordinary, everyday people who are struggling to make ends meet.”