Dandenong homeless crisis: Rough sleepers take refuge in streets
Rough sleepers in Melbourne’s southeast say they would rather be homeless than stay in short-term accommodation which are riddled with crime, with one man saying he had a “shocking time” after witnessing ongoing drug use and violence including stabbings.
South East
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A lack of affordable, safe housing is forcing more people onto the streets of Greater Dandenong.
And rough sleepers have told the Leader crime and overcrowding in short-term accommodation is out of control.
Several people living with homelessness said they felt “safer” living on the streets, than in motels being provided by the State Government during the coronavirus pandemic.
In central Dandenong, the Leader saw a homeless camp set up under the underpass near Shepley Oval.
There was dumped rubbish nearby including trolleys, mattresses, sleeping bags and other items scattered around the bushes.
A man, who asked not to be named, who was begging for cash near McCrae St, said he had a “shocking time” staying in temporary accommodation.
“It’s been unsafe, I have witnessed a lot of violence including stabbings, it’s out of control. There’s also a lot of drug use. This is why we’re on the street and we’re safer for it,” he said.
“I don’t want to stay in the motels and others don’t because it’s so confined and we still have safety concerns there too.
“Some people also have families and one room isn’t good enough for them, we need better conditions.”
In February, the Leader spoke to Stanley, last name withheld, who has been living under the bridge near Shepley Oval for five years.
“I moved once or twice – but I’ve come back – the cops know me,” he said.
“I personally like living here but I think there should be more affordable accommodation for others.
“I know people that are waiting years to get into commission houses – the government needs to help them.”
The Leader has also been told of rough sleepers, who also regularly set up camp in the Coles underground carpark on Cleeland St.
Mayor Jim Memeti said it was “extremely disappointing” to see people sleeping rough in Greater Dandenong.
In March, the council donated more than 20 tonnes of food to the most vulnerable in the community amid the coronavirus crisis.
Cr Memeti said the service needed to be continued by the council until at least Christmas.
“We need to help these vulnerable homeless people and others who have are on job keeper and have been affected by the pandemic,” he said.
“It’s extremely disappointing to see homeless people in Dandenong that don’t have a roof over their head, living in these conditions.
“I think government agencies should be proactive and visit them to help them with support and accommodation.”
In nearby Frankston, homeless man David Kadir told the Leader he was “sick” of being “broke, ripped off and demoralised” in cheap share houses including the infamous Ambassador Hotel on Nepean Hwy.
Mr Kadir lives outside the Frankston Yacht Club in his car with two others nearby, who have set up tents and sleeping bags in the undercover entrance on the foreshore.
“People are turning to the streets because of the share house conditions (and) the money they’re paying for the conditions … $250 (per week) for an 8x12 room which is a jail cell,” he said.
Homeless charity Donation Chain founder Helena Blomeley, whose group works tirelessly to provide hygiene packs and showers for the disadvantaged, said people were moving onto the streets to avoid drugs and alcohol inside share houses.
Elizabeth Thomas, chief executive of homelessness and crisis support group Wayss, said Greater Dandenong desperately needed a greater range of affordable housing and accommodation options.
She said there were several people living with homelessness in motels in Greater Dandenong amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“This then leads to its on issues, motels are not meant for high-density living in the long term, right now this is the only option as there are no other services available.”
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