Key Takeaways
- The Mornington Peninsula has a significant homelessness problem, with 23 people in respite accommodation, 60 in temporary stable housing, and 19 in other or unknown circumstances.
- The "By-Name list" tracks every person sleeping rough in a community and provides oversight of the scale of rough sleeping across Melbourne.
- The Zero Project aims to end rough sleeping in Melbourne by 2030 and regional Victoria by 2035, with 11 participating councils and funding mostly from philanthropy.
- Securing long-term housing can take years, and the proliferation of short-stay accommodation has reduced the number of long-term rental homes and driven up costs.
- Advocates are calling for increased funding and support to address the crisis, including $600,000 in initial annual funding to employ three additional caseworkers.
Introduction to Homelessness on the Mornington Peninsula
The Mornington Peninsula, despite its attractions, has a major homelessness problem. The latest figures from the "By-Name list" reveal that there were 23 people in respite accommodation, 60 in temporary stable housing, and 19 in other or unknown circumstances during October. This list keeps track of every person sleeping rough in a community with whom services have had contact, providing the only real oversight of the scale of rough sleeping across Melbourne. Community services using the list work together to secure support and housing for people sleeping rough.
The Zero Project Initiative
The Zero Project is part of the Victorian Alliance to End Homelessness, which aims to end rough sleeping in Melbourne by 2030 and regional Victoria by 2035. There are 11 participating councils, but the initiative is mostly funded through philanthropy. Rough sleeping can include living on the streets, in parks, or squatting in buildings. People are added to the By-Name list while sleeping rough and often move into other forms of homelessness, including couch-surfing, emergency housing, or other short-term arrangements while waiting for longer-term homes. Securing long-term housing can take years, and the Zero Project aims to address this issue.
Personal Stories of Homelessness
Theresa’s descent into homelessness began when she had to leave her private rental home in Capel Sound because it was being demolished. She had stints staying with family, sleeping in her car, and living in caravan parks. Theresa refused to relinquish her dog, which brought its own stress. She sometimes had to leave her pet in the car while she ducked into the shops, and would return to find people surrounding her car, having reported the matter to police even though the dog was left with water and treats and the windows were rolled down. This experience highlights the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness, including the emotional toll of living in uncertainty and the difficulties of accessing stable housing.
Causes of Homelessness on the Mornington Peninsula
Mornington Community Support Centre chief executive Ben Smith said the proliferation of short-stay accommodation on the peninsula had reduced the number of long-term rental homes and driven up the cost of those remaining. Even the cheapest rental property he had identified in Mornington cost about $450 a week, which is unaffordable for those on a single income or pension. The summer holiday rush also puts pressure on the peninsula’s homeless community because it forces people into smaller areas. Smith is calling for $600,000 in initial annual funding from the state government to employ three additional caseworkers across the peninsula to address the crisis.
Consequences of Homelessness
George Hatvani, the head of systems change and advocacy at Launch Housing, said people with chronic or persistent experiences of sleeping rough were dying up to 40 years earlier than people born at the same time. This highlights the urgent need to address the issue of homelessness, which is a matter of life and death. Hatvani said the zero approach should be the standard for solving the problem, and that ending homelessness starts with knowing people by name. The By-Name list is a crucial tool in this effort, as it allows community services to work together to provide support and housing for those in need.
Government Response and Future Prospects
The Victorian government confirmed it was investing $27 million for the Mornington Peninsula to build 69 new social and affordable homes. A spokeswoman said the government was working closely with specialist agencies to support people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The short stay levy was designed to encourage more homeowners to make their holiday homes available for rent or sale. Theresa, who had been experiencing homelessness, will soon get her own permanent home in community housing, thanks to the support of workers who helped her and her partner secure long-term community housing. This positive outcome highlights the importance of providing support and resources to those in need, and the potential for individuals to rebuild their lives with the right assistance.