Room raised for concern

By Bridget Brady
AN HOLISITIC approach to homelessness in multicultural communities was explored at a homelessness forum in Narre Warren last week.
A range of expert guest speakers addressed more than 100 people who attended the forum hosted by Windermere in partnership with the City of Casey and Centrelink Dandenong.
Those in the audience heard about the continued housing crisis in the south-east, and the variety of social, economic and health hurdles people migrating to the area faced when they arrived.
Kim Stowe, chief executive for housing and support organisation WAYYS said many in the south-east lived in unconventional living circumstances, and that homelessness was a serious social and community issue.
Bill Collopy from the South East Region Migrant Resource Centre said refuges knew all about homelessness.
Mr Collopy said some were given a false impression about their futures in Australia, believing they could secure a house and job when they arrived.
“The reality can be heartbreaking,” he said.
Another element discussed at the forum included the instability of moving from one house to another, and not being able to stabilise in one area.
“It’s not just a house, it’s more than that. It’s a place to belong.”
The manager of housing support services from the Public Housing and Community Building Department of Human Services Peter Lake agreed it was important for people to establish community links to their health care centres and schools.
Assistant Commissioner for the Crime Department in Victoria Police Dannye Moloney said some people found themselves in situations of family violence, overcrowded accommodation or difficult economic circumstances and had to make a decision about what to do.
“From my perspective they’ve got a choice. To remain in an unhealthy environment or choice the unknown, which is homelessness,” Mr Moloney said.
“Homelessness is everybody’s responsibility.”