Redcliffe Jetty’s no safe haven for homeless

THIS bayside jetty is a tourist attraction and a great spot to drop a line but for a growing number of homeless people it is their only shelter.

A growing number of homeless people are seeking shelter at the Redcliffe Jetty. Picture: Chris Higgins.

THE Redcliffe Jetty is an ideal backdrop for a photo or a top spot to drop a line, but to a growing number of Peninsula residents it is their only form of shelter.

The Breakfast Club support worker Helen Bambling said the number of homeless people in Redcliffe was growing every week.

“We are getting them from all over at the moment, so many people need help,” Ms Bambling said.

“At the moment there are about 20-30 (homeless in Redcliffe), but there is probably more as we don’t see everybody.”

A Redcliffe man who turned his life around after spending about 25 years on the streets said there were not enough services or facilities on the Peninsula to help those doing it tough.

There is little the man, who did not wish to be named, had not seen during his time on the streets.

He said there were many reasons people ended up homeless including family tragedy, mental health issues and having no money.

“Some people who are on the street have jobs, but no house,” he said.

While The Breakfast Club provides access to many support services, food, basic supplies and a friendly ear, the former homeless man said more was needed.

Things most take for granted; a hot shower, place to store gear and a bed, topped his list.

“There is not really a hot shower anywhere on the Peninsula,” he said. “They need somewhere a lot better than a jetty or a bridge to sleep.”

The man said more understanding from the community, police and council would also help.

“(Homeless) people on the Peninsula are pushed along too fast, but they have nowhere to go, nowhere to sleep,” he said.

Ms Bambling said they would love to offer more but they needed to find a permanent location.

DROP-IN CENTRE UPDATE:

A SITE at the Redcliffe Showground is shaping up as the most likely location for a drop-in centre.

The drive to secure land and establish a centre has been running for many years. One of the organisations working to achieve the goal, Club 189, recently became an incorporated not-for-profit organisation.

The executive committee said it had held discussions with Moreton Bay Regional Council to identify a suitable location for the homeless drop-in centre, with the most likely place being at Lamington Drive.

Community fundraising events have raised more than $60,000 for the group to establish a drop-in centre.

The committee said some of this money had been ­accessed to cover the cost of becoming incorporated and creating a strategic plan. At this stage, there is no time frame or final cost for the project.