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Tasmania
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Improved bathroom facilities at Hobart City Mission’s Safe Night Space will give clients a greater sense of dignity, CEO Harvey Lennon says, as the charity begins fundraising for the upgrades.
The program provides a safe space, a bed, food and support for Tasmanians sleeping rough.
Last year the program was capped at 20 people per night, but since then its capacity has increased to 35.
Mr Lennon said assisting more people meant there was a greater demand on facilities, including on the two showers at the Hobart space, which is why the charity hopes to raise $200,000 to improve its offerings.
“What we want to do is upgrade the toilet block along here, incorporate some additional showers and make it easier for the 35 people staying with us each night to all have access to a shower every day and that little bit of dignity and hygiene,” Mr Lennon said.
“Two showers just isn’t adequate at the moment, some people do miss out.”
Housing services program manager Ewan Higgs said the improvements would go a long way for those using the service.
“It’s the dignity and respect,” Mr Higgs said.
“We’re already dealing with clients who potentially don’t feel they get the respect out in the community and quite often they’re looked down on.
“If you can turn up to an appointment, clean and fresh someone might look at you differently, than if you haven’t washed for days on end.”
Mr Higgs said those who were able to secure a shower usually had a 15 minute window.
“We have a waiting list, you put your name on the waiting list and book a time,” he said.
“There’s time at night and times in the morning but it’s just not enough.”
As the charity plans ahead for Tasmania’s colder months Mr Higgs said demand would only grow.
“Last year in the middle of winter we did up our capacity, with support from the department we took that up to 40,” he said.
“I dare say we’ll look to do that again.”
Last year 368 people used the space, 200 of which were for the first time.
“That’s indicative of the pressure we’re under as a community at the moment and indicative of the number of people sleeping rough currently,” Mr Lennon said.
“We certainly are seeing new people coming to the service … cost of living pressures are playing a huge part in that.”
Last month it was announced the Safe Night Space programs in Hobart, Launceston and Burnie would be extended for three years.
Donations can be made on the Hobart City Mission website.
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