Why is City of Melbourne conducting StreetCount2012?
The City of Melbourne is committed to developing sustainable pathways out of homelessness, as outlined in the Homelessness Strategy 2011- 2013.
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.
International studies show that collecting this information is an important step in determining what more can be done by all levels of government and the community to help more people out of homelessness.
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How will you make sure you count all people experiencing homelessness in the municipality?
A major part of preparing for StreetCount2012 has involved working closely with key homelessness and community service agencies in Melbourne, to ensure we have a good understanding about where people are known to sleep rough.
Part of the StreetCount2012 methodology includes a survey of people who visit city-based homelessness services providers. This survey will take place on the same day and is the same survey StreetCount2012 will be using during the morning count.
While people won’t be asked to complete the survey again if they were counted in the morning count, having the survey at these service providers increases the likelihood that most people will be included in this important research.
Only people who slept rough the night before will be included in the survey.
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What sort of questions will you be asking people?
A one-page StreetCount2012 survey has been developed that will collect basic information about:
- where people stayed/slept that night
- how long they have been staying there
- how long they have been without permanent housing.
StreetCount2012 volunteers will also collect basic demographic data such as:
- age
- country of birth
- whether they identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
- what services they are planning to use in the municipality that day.
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Do people have to answer the questions?
The StreetCount2012 volunteers will be briefed on how to approach people respectfully and how to record basic data by observation if people don't want to answer any questions.
The City of Melbourne is committed to respecting the privacy and confidentiality of all people involved in StreetCount2012, including their right not to participate.
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Who is conducting the actual Street Count?
Undertaking StreetCount2012 will rely heavily on the generous involvement of volunteers to assist with the physical count. Approximately 140 volunteers will be recruited from a wide range of sectors, with a common interest in helping to address the problem of homelessness within our municipality.
All volunteers will undergo a training and information session prior to the count.
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Will you be waking up people in order to count them?
No. People will not be woken up to be surveyed, however they will still be counted.
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Are you paying homeless people who participate in StreetCount2012?
People who participate in StreetCount2012 will be provided with a thank you pack in recognition of their involvement in this important project.
This pack will include:
- a daily Metcard
- a phonecard
- a copy of the City of Melbourne’s Helping Out booklet, which provides a comprehensive list of free and low-cost services.
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What parts of the city will be covered in StreetCount2012?
StreetCount2012 will cover the central city and other parts of the municipality.
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Have homeless people been consulted in the development of StreetCount2012?
A small number of people with recent or current experience sleeping rough in Melbourne have been recruited to work as advisors for the StreetCount2012.
For more information about StreetCount2012 please email sharon.osman@melbourne.vic.gov.au
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