Melbourne homeless: Half of people sleeping on streets not genuine homeless, says Salvation Army

HALF of people sleeping on Melbourne’s streets are not genuinely homeless, according to one of the peak charities.

• Melbourne’s city streets to be swept clean of ‘unsightly’ homeless camps

HALF of people sleeping on Melbourne’s streets are not genuinely homeless, according to one of the peak charities.

Salvation Army Major Brendan Nottle said as many as 50 per cent of those on the street either had accommodation — but begged to fuel their drug habits — or were international tourists.

He said services should help “genuine” homelessness, including those who slipped through the cracks.

Selina, 22, and Mark cook lunch on their camping stove set up with their tent at Enterprize Park. Picture: Nicole Garmston

“I’m not a bleeding heart,” Major Nottle said.

“I’m not sitting here saying ‘all these people on the streets need to have all resources thrown at them’.

“We have to make sure that the really vulnerable rough sleepers don’t get written off as lazy or users.

“Those people need a home. And they need a home with all the support to get them back on their feet — mental health support, addiction support.

“That is where our focus needs to be and our resources need to go.”

A homeless man and his dog outside Flinders Street Station. The person photographed is considered genuinely homeless. Picture: Nicole Garmston

A street count revealed a 74 per cent surge in people sleeping on the street from 142 in 2014 to 247 earlier this year.

Major Nottle said the city was awash with drugs, with some people living on the streets pocketing up to $300 a day begging.

“The real question is where can’t you get drugs in the city,” he said.

Lord Mayor Robert Doyle urged well-meaning Melburnians not to give cash to homeless people.

“You can be clothed, you can be fed, you can be housed if you are homeless in Melbourne,” he said.

“If people wish to be generous ... give money to one of the service operators that actually help us with people on the path out of homelessness.”

Several genuinely homeless people living on the streets of Melbourne. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Melbourne city council will sweep the streets next week, dumping unmanned camps and tents — which are being pitched illegally.

Major Nottle said there was confusion about who was responsible for dealing with people living on streets despite having accommodation.

Victoria Police has the power to move on people only when they disturb the peace, endanger a life or pose a risk to public safety.

Tourists at Hosier Lane walk past genuinely homeless people loitering in the laneway. Picture: Nicole Garmston

The council, as part of a multimillion-dollar package, is sending workers on to city street to offer services, rather than waiting for homeless people to ask for help.

“I don’t think it’s worked that we expect the homeless to access services so we have to take the services to the homeless,” Cr Doyle said.

“The reality is that there has never been more resources put into this problem.

“But it is not a problem we can solve by New Year’s Eve.”

The State Government and Opposition were yesterday exchanging blows on who was to blame for the growing crisis.

“It’s good to see the council step in and take action because Daniel Andrews and his government have failed to do so for the last two years,” Opposition housing spokesman Tim Bull said.

Housing Minister Martin Foley said he was attempting to restore cuts made by the previous government.

WHO’S SLEEPING ON MELBOURNE’S STREETS

HOMELESS — 35%

- “genuine homeless” who haven’t accessed services

ROUGH SLEEPERS — 15%

— Vulnerable people let down by the system, after experiences in drug-filled or dangerous rooming houses, left to queue for help

— people who chose homelessness so they don’t have to pay rent, utilities

BEGGARS AND OTHERS — 50%

People who have accommodation but sleep on streets, including:

— drug users who beg for “lucrative” money

— international backpackers

* — according to Major Brendan Nottle

IT”S A TOUGH LIFE ON THE STREETS OF MELBOURNE

Selina, 22, Enterprise Park Melbourne

Selina, 22, cooks lunch on a camping stove set up at Enterprize Park. Selina is one of many genuine homeless people in Melbourne Picture: Nicole Garmston

Duration on the street: 4 weeks

Reason: Travelled from Indonesia because of inadequate medical services. Currently has a one-year visa but not a working visa.

Services used: The Living Room

Helpful: “People are so nice — we’re able to use Wi-Fi, wash, watch movies and access medical treatment.

Money received: “We haven’t begged. A lady came past and asked what I needed and her husband, who makes caravans, gave us a portable stove.”

Emily, 23, Bourke St

Genuine homeless person Emily with her dog Jessie in Bourke St. Picture: Lawrence Pinder

Duration on the street: 5 months

Reason: Kicked out of home because landlord didn’t want her staffordshire terrier inside.

Services used: State government (housing waitlist) and Salvation Army.

Helpful: “Salvos have been great but I’ve been on the (housing) waitlist for so long. I won’t get rid of my dog because there is no guarantee she will go to a good home. In the meantime I’ve set up in an abandoned warehouse on the corner of King and Collins St.”

Money received: Up to $150 a day begging. Once collected $600. Used to feed the pair, provide blankets and pay for the dog’s medical bills.

Olive, 32, Swanston St

Olive pictured in Swanston St. She is considered genuinely homeless after being kicked out of shared accomodation. Picture: Lawrence Pinder

Duration on the street: 4 years

Reason: Kicked out of shared accommodation

Services used: Salvation Army and State government (housing waitlist)

Helpful: “I have been robbed and physically hurt. I shouldn’t be here. I’ve been waiting for ages but people are so kind and generous, they give me money. Salvos help me out with eating and use the rest of the money buy things like sleeping bags or blankets.”

Money received: Up to $150 a day begging. Can be collected in less than 2 hours.

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