Opinion: Homeless the most vulnerable in natural disasters

Once again, we are now faced with the question of what happens next for people who are sleeping rough, writes Karen Walsh.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner on Thursday. Picture: David Clark

Every time a natural disaster hits Queensland, people experiencing homelessness and domestic violence face the trauma of finding temporary housing and other vital supports.

During the most recent catastrophe community groups supported people with broken bones, cancer, schizophrenia and other significant mental health issues, those with disabilities, as well as women and children leaving violence in the home.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner claims people are homeless by choice and refuse offers of accommodation.

While 261 people were registered as sleeping rough during the cyclone, there were 146 people who weren’t eligible for accommodation because they had no form of identification.

There were 115 people who did have identification, but only 71 were offered accommodation. Once again, we are now faced with the question of what happens next for people who are sleeping rough? Many only have a tent, some might have a car and for others there is nothing.

In Brisbane alone, homelessness organisations have 337 people registered as sleeping rough and another 302 in crisis hotel accommodation. There are also 378 families in emergency hotel accommodation including 705 children.

There is an urgency now that can’t wait for accommodation to be built. There is an evidence-based supportive housing solution right here in Queensland called Brisbane Common Ground.

The project opened in 2013 with 146 units with services including healthcare, security and other tailored support services. Half the people had complex and high needs and were rough sleeping and half were also on a low-income.

One year later, 81 per cent remained in accommodation where they were safe, secure and accessing healthcare. It is a housing project that saves taxpayer money by preventing people getting sicker and overloading emergency departments.

Today, if the Queensland government bought a hotel for the community sector to operate as supportive housing, we could get people off the street as soon as it was open.

Micah Projects is joining with other homelessness organisations across Queensland by writing to Premier David Crisafulli and calling on him to convene a summit to solve homelessness.

The community sector, business and government can solve homelessness in Queensland.

A summit is the first crucial step.

Karyn Walsh is CEO of Micah Projects

Originally published as Opinion: Homeless the most vulnerable in natural disasters