4) Substance Abuse Typically already linked into a pre-existing drug culture or network

1. 4) Substance Abuse Typically already linked into a pre-existing drug culture or network

2. 5) Youth People who have experienced a period of homelessness while under the age of 18 years of age are either: - victims of significant neglect or abuse - dissidents

3. Myth or fact? “80% of Homeless ‘Rough Sleepers’ are mentally ill?”

4. While it is true that amongst the long term homeless, substance abuse and mental health issues are significantly higher BUT Two thirds of homeless people will develop a mental illness after they become homeless - in particular young people.

5. Myth or fact? “Homeless ‘Rough Sleepers’ are all addicts of some drug?”

6. Two thirds of homeless people develop substance abuse AFTER they become homeless - in particular young people. This is because drugs become a basic coping mechanism and peer pressure for life on the streets. Drugs are on an adaptive response to an unpleasant environment

7. How does homelessness affect people and what do you think homeless people need?

8. “Permanent, quality, affordable, safe, suitably located accommodation which is wrapped in support – as much support as is needed for as long as it’s needed.” The provision of housing is NOT predicated on someone proving their “housing-readiness”. It’s often referred to as a “Housing First” approach.

9. “The last 20 years has been about investing more effort and more money resulting in more homelessness and leaving workers more demoralised. … We have to move from managing homelessness to ending the disgrace. … We can’t shuffle, cycle or harass people out of homelessness. … What they need is not a pill, program or protocol, but a place.” Philip Mangano

10. The safety and security needs.  When the physiological needs are largely taken care of, this second layer of needs comes into play.  You will become increasingly interested in finding safe circumstances, stability, protection.  Looking at it negatively, you become concerned, not with needs like hunger and thirst, but with your fears and anxieties.  In the ordinary adult, this set of needs manifest themselves in the form of our urges to have a home in a safe neighbourhood, a little job security and a nest egg, a good retirement plan and a bit of insurance, and so on.

11. What services do you know of that are available to help homeless people?

12. Inner West Case Management Team The Inner-West Case Management Team supports people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness to obtain and/or sustain secure housing. The team deliberately comprises support workers with a diversity of relevant skills.  Clients are supported by the entire team, not just one worker – the team’s hope being to provide from amongst its members the specialist expertise necessary to help people break (or prevent) the cycle of homelessness. The team’s work is with residents of Edward Eagar Lodge – offering support services during their stay, supported pathways out of homelessness, and support to sustain housing and improve wellbeing beyond homelessness.  Longer term, the team will also seek to provide support to clients who may have no connection (nor may ever have) to EEL.

13. Noreen Towers Community • Medium term accommodation service for families needed assistance for up to 9 months. Families can enter the program with just the clothes on their back and be set up with a full furnished 3 bedroom apartment and a case worker to assist them moving into a permanent accommodation setting. The program also has a supported playgroup initiative that allows families to receive parenting training from a qualified child care worker who can also determine the developmental needs of the children

14. Central Coast ILP • Program for 16-22 year olds who require assistance in living independently. The program teaches young people how to live independently through a goals approach to strength based client management. The program has a number of Department of Housing houses spread throughout the Central Coast area and can cater to either individuals or young families.

15. McKenzie Centre A one-stop shop for the most disadvantaged people in the community. This centre is a multi-faceted service to the homeless. A vast array of services are delivered from various organisations such as CRC Justice; Centrelink hold regular client sessions; Options employment help clients who have significant barriers to employment; counselling is provided to our clients on many issues including, addictions, finances and relationships. Also behind the McKenzie Centre is the Oasis, a refuge for homeless people can meet with social workers, have something to eat, get clothes and blankets and provide a safe social environment. There are also showers and clothes washing machines for people to come an use.

16. Edward Eager Lodge A crisis accommodation hostel situated in Bourke St, Surry Hills with 24hr staffing. The Lodge gives hostel accommodation for 76 single people ranging from 18 yrs to 80+ yrs for up to 3 months. Single rooms provide privacy, dignity, personal space & security for belongings. A Day Centre operates 5 days a week and provides meals, clothing, shower and laundry facilities, counselling, welfare referral, television, lounge & recreational facilities. The centre attracts about 100 people a day, who come from all backgrounds and accommodation styles including rough sleepers. A comprehensive support program looks at physical, intellectual, emotional, spiritual, vocational & recreational needs. The program incorporates: A church service, Recovery groups, Bible Discovery, Self-development, Living skill support groups, Free counselling, Recreational activities, Periodic in house clinics and regular visits by the local mental health team.

17. What factors do you think make it difficult for homeless people to access services and resources?

18. Imagine trying to get a job without a permanent address. What obstacles would you face? • Imagine trying to rent a house…..apply for a bank account…. • What other services would be difficult to access?

19. How do you think society views the homeless?

21. What conflicts do you think could arise between homeless people and the general community?

22. Homelessness General Information • Wesley Mission http://www.wesleymission.org.au • Homelessness NSW http://www.homelessnessaustralia.org.au Excellent general information and has a link, "Doing a project on homelessness?“ • Aust Parliamentary Library http://www.aph.gov.au/library/intguide/sp/homeless.htm Policy, definitions, programs, etc • National Youth Commission http://www.nyc.net.au/files/Australias_Homeless_Youth.pdf National Youth Commission enquiry into youth homelessness • Australian Clearing House for Youth Studies http://www.acys.info/youth_facts_and_stats/housing • Aust Institute for Health and Welfare http://www.aihw.gov.au/housing/sacs/saap/index.cfm Information on the government’s Support Accommodation Assistants Programs (SAAP)