Southport homelessness crisis: Former teacher Clinton Meskanen reveals how life went downhill

Not all that long ago, a former teacher was living a content life in Western Australia. Now – he’s come to the Gold Coast and is begging to get off the street. HIS STORY

A HOMELESS man sleeping rough in the Gold Coast CBD has made a plea for help, fighting back tears after a run-in with police over his bottle of wine.

Clinton Meskanen, a former teacher and IT consultant, returned to the Gold Coast six months ago after living in Western Australia for a number of years.

He chose to come home to see his dying brother, who has since passed away.

According to Mr Meskanen, hitting the bottle is the only way he can “get through the pain”.

Mr Meskanen is one of many sleeping rough in Southport’s CBD.

It comes as the Queensland Government holds a housing summit on Thursday, which aims to tackle the state’s dire housing and rental crisis.

But while leaders debate the lack of home options over a sandwich and sitting in an air-conditioned auditorium, over 45,000 people are on the social housing register across the state, desperate to put a roof over their head.

Southport homeless man Clinton Meskanen was devastated after cops took his wine. Picture: Sam Stolz

Mr Meskanen, who sleeps in parks and alleyways around Southport, said on Wednesday police confiscated his “closed bottle of chardonnay”, but claims he wasn’t drinking in a public place.

The Bulletin witnessed the scene and saw a number of homeless people involved in a tug of war with police on Scarborough Street, where two bottles were taken by officers.

“It’s daylight robbery of private property. I wasn’t even drinking it,” Mr Meskanen said.

“I think at one point I had a sniff because it was a drop I hadn’t tried before, so I wanted to see if it was nice.

Police officers confiscating Mr Meskanen’s (left) wine. Another man’s bottle was also taken. Picture: Sam Stolz

“The law says you can’t drink in a public place but what are you supposed to do when you’re homeless?”

Two other homeless people chimed in, adding: “The cops were just doing their job. But if he (Meskanen) stops drinking, he will die.”

Homeless store their belongings under a giant tarp outside the entrance to Southport TAFE in the middle of town at Nerang St Southport. Picture Glenn Hampson

Southport Police Station’s acting senior sergeant Shaun Groufsky, said: “The QPS still has an obligation to ensure community safety and public order.”

“The public consumption of alcohol is an offence under the liquor act and subsequent anti-social behaviours impact the communities ability to freely enjoy our public spaces,” he said.  

“As such, regular foot patrols are conducted throughout the Southport CBD.

“Tipping-out liquor is an early intervention strategy police use across the Gold Coast and is utilised in Southport.  When liquor is being tipped out, officers clearly articulate the reason why to the affected persons.”

Sgt Groufsky said the patrols “ensure the best outcomes for the homeless and the broader community”.

Clinton Meskanen in happier times. Picture: Supplied.

Mr Meskanen said through tears he was “sick of this s**t” – referring to being homeless.

“I told my wife I’d come to the Gold Coast and find work and a place for us but it hasn’t worked out that way,” he said.

“Most nights I’m genuinely living in fear. I can’t sleep. Once I tried to (sleep) and was kicked in the head at the Broadwater Parklands.”

An internet search on Mr Meskanen revealed a photo which is a far cry from his appearance today. In the picture, he is sitting at a desk – clean-shaven and smiling.

Business owners in Southport say they are fed up with the ongoing homelessness issue on Scarborough Street, Southport. Picture: Sam Stolz

The website reads: “15 years as a primary school teacher in Western Australia, combined with 10 years as a computer consultant. My first real job was as the first Bugs Bunny at Movie World on the Gold Coast.”

“I have written software programs, training packages for primary school-aged children, remote learning tools for universities and health industry IT training.

“At 39, after a violent home invasion, I have been housebound through agoraphobia in Perth, but after moving home to the Gold Coast in Queensland, I thought I could use my time sharing some thoughts and experience with others to help me return to the workforce.”