A compassionate approach to tackling homelessness

Steve Timmerman & David Hamilton

As the glamour of the Olympics bombards us, unfortunately, Homelessness Week 2024 will not feature prominently for many. But an inconvenient and uncomfortable truth is that homelessness exists in Southbank in the depths of winter.  

Homelessness is not merely an issue of people lacking shelter; it is a multifaceted social challenge that reflects deeper problems. It’s time we address this issue with compassion and clarity, recognising that those experiencing homelessness are our neighbours, deserving of dignity and support.

First, it’s crucial to distinguish homelessness from street crime. 

The two are often wrongly conflated, leading to stigmatisation and misunderstanding. People experiencing homelessness are not inherently criminals. They are individuals facing a range of difficult circumstances, from job loss and economic hardship to mental health struggles and family breakdowns. 

Reducing homelessness to a matter of criminality is not only inaccurate but also harmful, diverting attention from the root causes that need addressing.

Homelessness impacts a diverse group of people. 

Young people, families, the elderly particularly older women left without economic security because superannuation came to them too late if at all; can all find themselves without a home. Mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and untreated trauma, are common among the homeless population, often exacerbated by the lack of stable housing. 

Additionally, the absence of a supportive community can leave individuals isolated and unable to find a way out of their predicament.

A compassionate perspective is essential. 

This means advocating for policies and initiatives that provide real support rather than punitive measures. Shelters, transitional housing, and permanent affordable housing solutions are vital. 

However, housing alone is not enough. Comprehensive support services, including mental health care, addiction treatment, job training, and educational opportunities, must be integrated to address the complex needs of those experiencing homelessness.

Community involvement is another key component. 

Volunteer programs, local businesses, and neighbourhood groups can play a significant role in supporting homeless individuals. By fostering a sense of community, we can create a network of support that helps individuals reintegrate and rebuild their lives. Initiatives like food drives, clothing donations, and mentorship programs can make a tangible difference.  

There are a range of services in the City of Melbourne that Ash Lee, our neighbourhood coordinator, can link people to.

Unfortunately, in Southbank, we lack access to a local service such as South Port Community Housing Group which for more than 40 years has worked across the Cities of Port Phillip, Stonnington, and Glen Eira delivering rental accommodation and practical support to highly vulnerable people and advocating on a deeply inconvenient truth in our community.

By raising awareness about the realities of homelessness they combat stigma and encourage empathy. 

Homelessness is a highly complex issue requiring thoughtful, humane solutions.  Separating it from street crime and understanding it as a multifaceted social problem creates effective strategies to support and uplift our most vulnerable neighbours. In the spirit of the Olympics and our shared humanity, together, let’s build a community where everyone can thrive and use Homelessness Week 2024, to commit to a compassionate approach and not “blame the victim”. •

Southbank3006 is a group of residents committed to unifying Southbank.