First-hand stories about the harsh reality of homelessness in Wyndham were shared with politicians at Werribee Support and Housing last week.
Federal Lalor MP Joanne Ryan and the shadow minister for housing and homelessness, Doug Cameron, visited the agency to hear the struggle of people without a roof over their head.
Werribee Support and Housing (WSH) chief executive Carol Muir said giving the politicians the chance to experience the devastating stories of homeless people on the street was more effective than throwing statistics at them.
Among the stories shared was that of a man whose hardship began after losing his job when his employer of nine years closed the business.
The fitter and turner has since struggled to find a new job in what he describes as a “dying trade”. He now lives in his car, receives $400 a fortnight from Centrelink and has given up custody of his daughter.
He described homelessness as “stressful, cold, lonely and debilitating”.
“It’s hard enough paying rent while working, but it’s impossible while on the dole,” he said.
WSH chief executive Carol Muir said that with the average rent in Wyndham at $300 a week, it was impossible for single people or parents to afford housing on just $400 a fortnight.
Another client, a single mother of four in her mid-20s, shared the hardship she endured after leaving an abusive relationship.
“I’d live on the streets, but I don’t want my kids to have to go through that,” she said.
The woman now has a private rental arrangement after applying for more than 50 properties. She still relies on the agency for food and support. “Without WSH, I don’t know where I’d be,” she said.
Ms Muir said the stories highlighted that the community’s perception of homelessness was very different to the reality.
