Homelessness Gold Coast: Rough sleepers line streets of Southport as pedestrians wander by

Homeless men and women lie asleep, curled up under blankets, in doorways, footpaths and alleyways. Meanwhile, pedestrians go about their business, seemingly oblivious to the heartbreaking scene.

SO this is the new normal. Walking the streets of Southport in the early hours of the morning, you would think you’re in another country.

Homeless men and women lie asleep, curled up under blankets, in doorways, footpaths and alleyways. Meanwhile, locals and cleaners go about their business, seemingly oblivious to the heartbreaking scene around them.

A rough sleeper in Southport in the early hours of the morning. Picture: Glenn Hampson

One of the homeless lies under a couple of trolleys in an alleyway, to shelter from the elements and to guard their possessions. Others stay huddled together for warmth in shopfronts.

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Jason (who only wishes for his first name to be used) is a 45-year-old local and been living on the streets for the past few months.

Doorways lined with homeless people in Southport. Picture: Glenn Hampson

A former truck driver, Jason found himself living in the doorway of the Commonwealth Bank after a marriage break-up left him with just a few clothes.

“I had alcohol and drug issues which didn’t help, but I’ve dealt with those,’’ he said.

“It’s hard though to find accommodation when you’re a man without any money.

“There’s no shelters for us.

A homeless person sleeps under a trolley in a Southport alleyway. Picture: Glenn Hampson

“I know some people give out swags and help packages, but what I really need is a shower and a roof over my head.”

Opinions on the homeless in Southport are varied.

A local security guard said: “There are two types of people living in the streets of Southport, the genuine homeless and the junkies who are hanging out for their next score.

Jason reflects on his life and how he became homeless. Picture: Glenn Hampson

“Unfortunately one group’s actions stops support for the other.”

Businesses have tried different approaches to keep the homeless from camping in their doorways.

The local TAFE plays classical music through speakers in the roof to chase off would-be squatters.

People walk past a homeless man asleep on Scarborough Street. Picture: Glenn Hampson

Others have put bars and gates around their entrance ways.

Jason has a different view to the problem.

“Someone just has to give a damn,” he said.

Rugged up against the cold, a homeless person sleeps on Young Street. Picture: Glenn Hampson

“Either the government or someone with money has to build shelters on the Coast.

“If I was a millionaire it would be something I would do.”