Post by aussieinusa on Jan 2, 2014 8:46:28 GMT 7
We've been hearing from a few pensioners who are homeless or close to it, as the pension is nowhere near average rent on even a modest one-bedroom flat in most of the capital cities (where DSPers especially, often have to live to be near their medical team).
Since homelessness is becoming an issue for more and more pensioners, perhaps we can try to collate a list of homeless services around Australia here?
The people I've spoken to are (like so many of us here) the 'formerly respectable', i.e. people who don't know the system or where to go for help in a crisis.
Australia-wide homeless services
There is no single Australia-wide homeless helpline. Homelessness-related charities, state housing departments and local councils are all run locally, so who you need to contact for help varies from state to state. Centrelink can help you access homeless services in your area, so if you can't phone the hotlines, go into your local CL office and ask to speak to a social worker for help.
1. Centrelink social workers and Crisis Payment
You can ask to speak to a social worker at any CL office, who can provide you with information and referrals to get help. There is also a one-off Crisis Payment available, "that can help you if you are experiencing difficult or extreme circumstances."
More info: www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/subjects/accommodation-renting-and-homelessness
2. Referral hotlines
Most states operate a referral hotline you can call for help. There's a full listing of them here: www.homelessnessaustralia.org.au/index.php/about-homelessness/are-you-homeless
3. State Housing Department
Most states' Department of Housing (or equivalent) have crisis hotlines. See your state's housing department web site.
Homeless services in NSW
There seem to be two main sources of help in NSW: a main hotline that connects people with all the homeless services in NSW; and a Dept of Housing hotline that helps people who have nowhere to sleep that night. Details are as follows:
1. Homeless Persons Information Centre
More info:
Source: www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/community/community-support/homelessness/homeless-person-information-centre
2. Dept of Housing hotline (for help tonight)
Source: www.shelternsw.org.au/need-help
More info:
Source: www.housingpathways.nsw.gov.au/Ways+we+can+Help/Homelessness/
My net connection is terrible (took half an hour just to look those up) so maybe someone else can look up services in other states and post them here?
Since homelessness is becoming an issue for more and more pensioners, perhaps we can try to collate a list of homeless services around Australia here?
The people I've spoken to are (like so many of us here) the 'formerly respectable', i.e. people who don't know the system or where to go for help in a crisis.
Australia-wide homeless services
There is no single Australia-wide homeless helpline. Homelessness-related charities, state housing departments and local councils are all run locally, so who you need to contact for help varies from state to state. Centrelink can help you access homeless services in your area, so if you can't phone the hotlines, go into your local CL office and ask to speak to a social worker for help.
1. Centrelink social workers and Crisis Payment
You can ask to speak to a social worker at any CL office, who can provide you with information and referrals to get help. There is also a one-off Crisis Payment available, "that can help you if you are experiencing difficult or extreme circumstances."
More info: www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/subjects/accommodation-renting-and-homelessness
2. Referral hotlines
Most states operate a referral hotline you can call for help. There's a full listing of them here: www.homelessnessaustralia.org.au/index.php/about-homelessness/are-you-homeless
3. State Housing Department
Most states' Department of Housing (or equivalent) have crisis hotlines. See your state's housing department web site.
Homeless services in NSW
There seem to be two main sources of help in NSW: a main hotline that connects people with all the homeless services in NSW; and a Dept of Housing hotline that helps people who have nowhere to sleep that night. Details are as follows:
1. Homeless Persons Information Centre
Urgent assistance is available for people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The centre operates from 9am to 10pm, 7 days per week. It is closed from 1pm to 2pm daily.
1800 234 566 (toll free) or 02 9265 9087 or 02 9265 9081
1800 234 566 (toll free) or 02 9265 9087 or 02 9265 9081
More info:
The Homeless Persons Information Centre is a telephone information and referral service for people who are, or at risk of, experiencing homelessness. Professional assessments and referrals are provided to accommodation and support services across NSW.
Up-to-date information about services is provided through the information centre’s close links with providers.
The information centre can help individuals, families and any person escaping violence or abuse.
Team members at the information centre prefer to speak to the client directly. This allows clients to express their own needs and give permission for their details to be disclosed in a referral.
Some details the HPIC may require include name, age and date of birth, any developmental or physical disabilities, any pension or benefits received, diagnosed mental illness and any drug or alcohol issues.
Clients may contact the service anonymously. The information centre will provide information, but may not be able to help with a referral.
Up-to-date information about services is provided through the information centre’s close links with providers.
The information centre can help individuals, families and any person escaping violence or abuse.
Team members at the information centre prefer to speak to the client directly. This allows clients to express their own needs and give permission for their details to be disclosed in a referral.
Some details the HPIC may require include name, age and date of birth, any developmental or physical disabilities, any pension or benefits received, diagnosed mental illness and any drug or alcohol issues.
Clients may contact the service anonymously. The information centre will provide information, but may not be able to help with a referral.
2. Dept of Housing hotline (for help tonight)
For overnight accommodation if you are homeless — ring Housing NSW’s After-hours Temporary Accommodation Line on 1800 152 152 (Monday-Friday 4.30 pm-10.00 pm, Sat, Sun, public holidays 10.00 am-10.00 pm)
More info:
Housing NSW provides emergency temporary accommodation in low-cost hotels, motels, caravan parks and similar accommodation for people who are or homeless or experience a housing crisis.
My net connection is terrible (took half an hour just to look those up) so maybe someone else can look up services in other states and post them here?
