As the 10th annual Hunter Homeless Connect Day approaches, Kelly Hansen, the chief executive officer for one of the region's leading homeless and domestic violence services, is pleading for greater action to be taken to end the homeless "crisis" that she says is only "getting worse" in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.
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Homelessness in Australia increased by 13.7 per cent in the past five years with with 'rough sleepers' representing just 7 per cent of people experiencing homelessness nationally. In Newcastle, homelessness increased 12.6 per cent between the 2011 and 2016 Census and 41.7 per cent in Lake Macquarie.
"Our local homelessness situation is actually getting worse," Ms Hansen, CEO Nova for Women and Children, said.
"In the last financial year, our service has provided over 27,000 nights' accommodation via our three crisis accommodation sites to local women and children experiencing homeless.
"In particular, women experiencing homelessness has increased by 9.5 per cent nationally in the past five years alone.
"This means there are over 49,000 women with no shelter, and a large portion of those women are over 55 years of age. Older women cycling into homelessness is a rapidly growing statistic.
"We know that housing means more than having roof over our heads. A home provides security, stability, privacy, safety, and independence.
"Contrary to popular belief, the majority of people who experience homelessness aren't rough sleepers (living on the streets). In fact, rough sleeping only makes up around 7 per cent - the remainder is the 'hidden homelessness'.
"Women and children are sleeping in cars, couch surfing, or staying in various types of temporary and short term accommodation.
"The housing situation is fixable, especially here in our town. It requires bold steps and a belief that everyone has a right to shelter."
On Wednesday, August 7, Nova for Women and Children will join forces with other organisations and individuals at Newcastle Showground Exhibition Centre in Broadmeadow for the 10th instalment of the Hunter Homeless Connect Day.
About 1000 of the region's most-in-need residents had the chance to connect with essential services at the last year's Hunter Homeless Connect Day.
The day has been held each year since it was established in 2009.
It is run by Hunter Homeless Connect, a volunteer not-for-profit organisation which aims to make the event an inclusive community with zero judgement.
They do so by providing a one-stop shop of services, activities and entertainment in a welcoming and respectful environment including: legal, financial, housing, health and family services, an 'opportunities' centre for help with employment and training, free food, haircuts, workshops and care packages.
"It's a fantastic community event and one we are proud to attend," Ms Hansen said.
Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
