Homelessness

Having been there I know that when one becomes homeless where does one start?

There are so many different services but other than Ask Izzy there is not a lot out there (or so it would appear). What if you have a phone but nowhere to charge it. What if you are asleep on the streets and someone steals it. You have no money, no transport, no way to pay for Taxis and likely no friends.

Well, there are many Government and non-Government funded services out there to get you started.

Haven Home Safe IMHO Opinion is useless. You arrive and they make you a booking for weeks away – what do you do in the difference. Orange Door is similar.

It’s easy to be discouraged quickly but in my experience you start with the Salvos. They will, if nothing else, feed you and point you to other places where you can eat. If you have alcohol and other drug issues (as I did) then they can assign you a clinician to assist. They also provide food parcels.

Of course the ultimate goal is to get a safe roof over your head and that’s where VincentCare come in – get in touch with them and set up an appointment for intake.

Anglicare are amazing: they provide food packages, stamps for all PBS medicines so that you don’t have to pay for your medications.

Catholic Care provide Coles Vouchers once per month.

You can travel for free on the Metro because you can’t be fined if you are legally homeless.

Ozanam House in North Melbourne (opposite the Royal Melbourne Children’s Hospital also provide free breakfast, coffee and lunch up to 1pm Monday to Friday for anyone (no questions asked).

If you facing homelessness or are homeless please don’t hesitate to email me: kurtreiter@mac.com and I can get you direct numbers to call. If you don’t have access to email, join any library in Melbourne for free.

Even if you are suffering addiction issues, don’t be afraid to ask for help.