Charities hand out ‘unprecedented’ amounts of sleeping bags in Frankston to aid homeless
Winter is hitting the homeless hard with a key Frankston charity handing out unprecedented amounts of sleeping bags and warm clothing.
South East
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Charities are handing out unprecedented amounts of sleeping gear and warm clothing as the homeless feel the full blast of winter.
Community Support Frankston manager Steve Phillips said there was an affordable housing shortage.
“Because we have had such bad weather, they are getting wet and colder, (and) they’re coming in trying to get dry,” he said.
“What we’ve seen with the torrential rain and winds is people are really struggling.
“The sleeping bags are going out as quickly as we can give them.”
Mr Phillips said the Newstart allowance was insufficient and people were struggling to survive on it.
Frankston Homeless Support Services president Mark Whitby said homeless people were more visible during winter because they were desperately trying to get out of the wet weather.
“When it’s so cold people will look for dry places that will shelter them,” he said.
The crisis was highlighted after a homeless couple sought shelter in the Frankston Library area.
Resident Vic Langsam called on the council to do more to support the couple and address homelessness.
“Seeing a couple sleeping rough at the magnificent Frankston Library entrance is a disgrace,” he said.
“Find out why people are suffering — treat them with the respect they deserve.”
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Frankston mayor Michael O’Reilly said council officers had spoken to the couple and referred them to agencies.
For emergency accommodation, contact SalvoCare Eastern on 1800 825 955.
Community Support Frankston, 35 Beach St, Frankston, needs winter coats for the homeless. Phone: 9783 7284.