Many in Mackay have no home

A HOME is a luxury many can be accused of taking for granted, however, for the 2000 people in Mackay, who, have been identified as homeless it would be a dream come true.

Data collected in the last census shows the Mackay region’s homeless population was almost five times the national average and with new data to be recorded this month, many believe the situation won’t have changed and may, in fact, have worsened.

Homelessness Australia policy and research officer Travis Gilbert said this equated to 235 people per 10,000 without a permanent address, while the Queensland average was 69 per 10,000 and the national average 53 per 10,000.

Salvation Army Mackay call officer Lt Jeff Goodwin isn’t surprised by these figures.

“I know it’s a big problem... there isn’t a lot of accommodation for homeless people in Mackay at all,” Lt Goodwin said.

In Australia, homelessness covers a range of living conditions, including rough sleeping, living in cars or tents, homeless shelters, couch surfing, temporary accommodation with friends or relatives and boarding houses.

“Anyone who doesn’t have a home to call their own,” Mr Gilbert said.

In Mackay, 33% of people who were homeless were rough sleeping. The national average is about 16%.

Mr Gilbert said from the 2001 to 2006 census the rate of homelessness doubled in Mackay. Regional Social Development Centre manager Deborah Rae believes it has increased since then .

“There has been a huge increase in population since 2006 ,” Ms Rae said.

“We’ve also had a significant increase in costs such as housing and rent... which means that people can’t afford to spend as much on accommodation.”

Ms Rae said one of the biggest challenges was identifying the homeless.

Services available include Samaritan House and Lowana House for women, Ozcare Homeless Men’s Shelter, Youth Information Referral Service and Community Accommodation Support Agency.

A possible factor related to the region’s high level of homelessness is the soaring cost of living and a lack of affordable housing.

“Often people found themselves homeless due to circumstances beyond their control,” Lt Goodwin said.

While more temporary accommodation would help, Lt Goodwin said it would only be a band-aid and not a very good one at that.

More affordable housing, particularly in areas like this, where high wages and a lack of accommodation dictate house and rental costs, would be one step , Lt Goodwin said.

Business and community leaders are being challenged to experience being homeless for a night at the Bluewater Quay on August 7.