Jewish House chief executive urges local councils to adopt extreme weather plans for rough sleepers
An eastern suburbs rabbi is leading the charge for local councils to adopt a strategic plan for rough sleepers during extreme weather events. Read about his plan here.
Wentworth Courier
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With warm weather already in our midst, an eastern suburbs rabbi and homelessness advocate has urged local councils to adopt an emergency plan for rough sleepers in extreme weather events.
Jewish House chief executive Rabbi Mendel Kastel is calling on councils across the state to take decisive action on homelessness.
In wake of the recent local government elections month, he is aiming to liaise with councillors to fast-track emergency response plans.
“It’s something we’ve (already) seen around the world,” Rabbi Kastel said.
“I’m originally from New York and I’ve seen the work they do … to be able to make sure the people are safe in extreme weather events.”
The initiative from Jewish House is to encourage local councils to pass a motion to create a local plan, similar to what Randwick Council adopted last year.
The idea is that councils would work alongside local services to develop plans to provide shelter and safety for rough sleepers at times when a code red or blue is activated.
During warmer months, local governments have been asked to activate a code red when the average daily temperature is above 32 degrees for three consecutive days.
In colder periods, a code blue would be announced if the average night-time temperature fell below six degrees for three consecutive days, or in the event of significant rainfall or damaging winds.
Rabbi Kastel said it was “important” to have conversations about rough sleepers, outlining how South Australia already had a statewide code red and blue policy.
“In many areas, the number of rough sleepers is not massive,” he said.
“It’s very manageable … particularly when it’s only a few times a year when it’s too cold or too hot or really wet.”
Rabbi Kastel was impressed with South Australia’s policy, saying he had a brief conversation with Premier Peter Malinauskas about its importance.
He said Jewish House was looking to leading the charge to ensure the safety and wellbeing of people at most risk during extreme weather events.
Having a “proactive approach” and collaborating with local communities is the best way forward in the mind of Rabbi Kastel, who is looking to take immediate action once councils are organised post-election.
More information about the extreme weather plan can be found here.
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