Thursday, 10 June 2010
Figures have today been released from City of Melbourne’s third annual street count, which aims to provide Council with information on the number of people sleeping rough on the streets.
As part of the count, teams of volunteers visited parks and streets in the CBD, North and West Melbourne and Flagstaff and Fitzroy Gardens to count the number of homeless people sleeping in public spaces and survey them where possible.
Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said 101 people were counted in the early hours of the morning and 55 people surveyed.
“There is a category of homeless people who are most difficult to reach and that is those who sleep rough. It is therefore extremely important that we build up data on how many people sleep outdoors and where they are sleeping, so we can continue to help them and provide the necessary support,” the Lord Mayor said.
“We understand the count does not account for every single homeless person – our volunteers do not enter squats and other temporary accommodation – but this isn’t what the count is trying to do. Instead the people we count are those who are physically sleeping in streets, doorways and park benches, and these are the people who are quite often the hardest to reach.”
Of the 101 people counted, 72 were male, 14 female and 15 were unable to be identified due to being covered and asleep. In comparison, 75 people were counted last year and 112 people in 2008.
"There are a number of factors that influence the number of people sleeping on the streets on any given night. To count 101 on a very cold winter morning is considerable, but not enough of an increase on last year to suggest the numbers are growing," the Lord Mayor said.
"I would hope by the end of this Council’s term to be able to say that no person need sleep rough in Melbourne. This Council is committed to providing sustainable pathways out of homelessness and funds a number of projects and external organisations whose work directly benefits rough sleepers and other homeless people.”
Councillor Jennifer Kanis, Future Melbourne (People and Creative City) Committee Chair said that engaging with those experiencing homelessness and asking them a series of questions helps better understand the needs of people experiencing homelessness and provides a more accurate picture of people sleeping rough in Melbourne.
“The street count is a critical part of gaining a better understanding of people sleeping rough in the municipality to ensure that solutions are based on clear evidence,” Councillor Kanis said.
“Understanding the numbers and demographics of those counted, including figures from the last two years, helps guide Council’s decisions when developing sustainable pathways out of homelessness.”
The count took place last Wednesday 2 June between 5 and 8am. In addition to the information collected between 5 – 8am, the same survey was also undertaken during the day at a number of service centres to capture those who were missed.
Volunteers from a variety of backgrounds conducted the street count, including people with recent experience of sleeping rough in the city and others working with people experiencing homelessness.
The volunteers were trained and briefed prior to the Count on how to approach people respectfully and, where appropriate, sensitively asked some survey questions of people who are homeless.
The count findings will now be compiled into a report and the information will be shared with relevant stakeholders.
In addition to conducting the street count each year, City of Melbourne funds a number of projects to directly benefit homeless people and provide affordable housing, including:
- $20,000 annual funding to the Royal District Nursing Services for “Where the heart is” community festival for homeless people, held each year in March.
- Community Services Funding Agreement for four years with Second Bite, to develop an employment preparation and training program.
- Community Services Funding Agreement for four years with St James Old Cathedral – Docklands Church for The Kitchen program which provides a Saturday meal and social program.
- Annual funding to the Café Meals program which provide nutritious, enjoyable dining experiences in selected cafes and restaurants.
- Annual funding of approximately $500,000 to the Frontyard Youth Services operated by Melbourne City Mission.
- One off sale of Drill Hall to Housing Choices Australia for $10 (plus GST) for 59 affordable housing units.
- One off in-kind ‘sale’ of the Council-owned Corporation Lane, valued at $210,000, and a donation of $10,000 for the development of 130 units as part of Yarra Community Housing at 660 Elizabeth Street.