Bundaberg homelessness on the rise

A Bundaberg mother says she hardly sleeps at night since becoming homeless in August. Her story is, sadly, one of many in the region as a new tier of society falls prey to a dire housing shortage.

Sue Tasker says homelessness is a growing issue in the region, touching levels of society it previously hasn’t.

Bundaberg’s homeless epidemic is becoming so widespread that even students and those with full-time employment and flawless rental histories are finding themselves sleeping in cars and tents.

Local mum Kylie Porter knows all too well the pain of homelessness - she‘s in the midst of it right now.

Ms Porter hasn't had a place to call home since August 10 and says her family has had to split up in the process.

Her 20-year-old child is staying with friends, while her two young children are with her.

“I want us back together again,” she said.

“I have depression the way we are living isn't good for my depression.

“All I want is a house for my kids.”

Ms Porter said the lack of security keeps her up at night.

“It’s not safe for my five-year-old living in a tent,” she said.

“I hardly sleep at night.”

Angels Community Group’s Sue Tasker says a whole new level of society is now at risk of homelessness, with everyone from everyday families to tertiary students living in tents and cars.

There are people in the region right now who are living in cars then going to work.

“Most people don’t choose to sleep on the streets,” Ms Tasker said, dispelling the myth that homelessness is a choice.

Even those who choose to be homeless, Ms Tasker says, are usually suffering some kind of mental health condition that influences their decision.

A growing demand for homes in the region has also led to an increase in accomodation costs in some cases.

“People forget rental properties are a business and if they can make more money they will,” Ms Tasker said.

One of the biggest fears for those on the streets is a sense of security, according to Ms Tasker, whose charity organisation provides various forms of support for those in need.

“It’s so unsafe,” she said.

“We have (homeless people) coming into our support centre and falling asleep just because it’s safe.”

Ms Tasker said while families were experiencing homelessness, it would be wonderful to have a shelter where families could stay together instead of having to be split by gender or age in various shelters in the region.

“There’s no places where a family can go,” she said.

Originally published as Bundaberg homelessness on the rise