Two Natural Ladies discuss some of the Myths of homelessness – thank to you to Mission Australia for their information.
Myth 1 Our homeless community is made up of middle-aged men.
Jo & Vicki talk about where this idea came from- maybe after the war?
Now people of all ages and backgrounds women, children, families, young people and older people are homeless. Almost a quarter are between 12 and 24 years old.
And now six out of ten people seeking support from homelessness services are women.
Myth 2 Homeless people sleep on the street.
Only 7% of people who are homeless are sleeping rough in improvised dwellings such as sleeping in parks, bus shelters, abandoned buildings or shop doorways.
The majority of people are hidden from view; ‘couch surfing’, moving between shelters, living in overcrowded dwellings or sleeping in cars. Two Natural Ladies chat about how bad some of these dwellings are.
Myth 3 Being homeless is a choice.
Domestic violence is one of the main reasons people seek help from a homeless service. Every week, women across Australia, often with children, escape abusive partners with nowhere to go and no other option.
There is a shortage of affordable housing which leads to many moving from dwelling to dwelling.
Only together can we break the cycle of homelessness in Australia.
Myth 4 Homeless people just need to get a job.
Vicki & Jo talk about Jo’s discovery of the homeless in the city many years ago. It was obvious these people could not get a job until they were in stable housing. Jo was shocked at the amount of people on the street and of course the ever present mental health issues many face.
Myth 5 Homelessness is simply about physical housing and 'rooflessness'.
Living independently requires more than just having a roof over your head. Mission Australia provides individuals with the support and life skills to find a safe home, maintain a tenancy and thrive in the community.
Two Natural Ladies discuss the benefits of Tiny Homes as a way of supporting those in need get affordable housing.
Myth 6 Homelessness will never happen to me.
More and more women are becoming homeless. This can be triggered by a sudden event. And for many they are only two pay checks from being on the streets!
Myth 7 We will never solve homelessness.
Most people with a bit of support from us, their community, will be able to get themselves back on their feet. Home Share Melbourne - now re-named BridgeIt (www.bridgeit.org.au) is a wonderful organisation matching those in need with someone willing to give up a room and some time to help someone back on their feet. How many spare rooms are out there?
In 2020, through their 69 homelessness and housing services Mission Australia supported 17,368 people to get back on their feet and move towards rebuilding an independent life for themselves.
Please support these amazing organisations with donations, a room or a house you can let at an affordable rate.
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Video & Audio production sponsored by Nurture Queen Videos https://www.nurturequeenvideos.com
