The national awareness of the plight of homeless Australians is held each year in the first full week of August, the coldest time of the year, running from the 4th to 10th this year with the theme, 'Housing End Homelessness'. With each year the problem of homelessness grows worse. Our political leaders showing little interest in the plight of the homeless, letting people die on our streets because they don't have a roof over their head, unfortunately much of the problem is left to private under resourced and struggling charitable organizations, like The Salvation Army to name just one.

An interesting YouTube, about Melbourne, but could be any large city or town in Australia. Runs for 27 minutes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGnes7PyMuw

if they cared, and they do not, the federal government could fix this in months
How anyone on unemployment benefits is expected to pay rent is a concern
Any of us could become homeless in fact one living in the scrub near me is very highly educated and no bludger

Homelessness just emphasises poor preparation and poor choices.
Are they where they are through misfortune, poor planning and choices or their own will?

Hi there BELLY...

I recall when I was still in uniform, we'd slowly drive through Belmore Park (near Central Railway) in our truck (Ford 150 caged vehicle) usually around 0100 - 0500h in mid-winter, and we'd see these poor old buggers huddling under every bit of clothing & material they could find in an attempt to ward off the cold.

And as you would imagine, we'd occasionally find a deceased person slumped over or off, one of the park benches, due to the lack of warmth, poor diet, age, insufficient meds, and general inattention from anyone. Many a time the coppers would part with their nightly feed, they'd brought from home, and give it to them. Knowing they could easily purchase something to eat from many of the 24hr 'greasy joes' that abound the place.

It's been a while since I've been down that way. It's to be hoped things have improved? Once the Mathew Talbot shelter was full, the poor old chaps had nowhere else to go. A real indictment on our society, allowing these homeless people to live uncared for, on the streets?

Dear Paul,

Thanks for the video.

It's heart-wrenching.

According to the ABS stats
despite sustained economic growth homelessness
has increased by 14% since 2011 and in NSW , by 27%.

What's scary is that there are thousands under the
age of 12, and the overall figure of homeless people
is given as over 100,000 in Australia and growing.

The causes of homelessness are many, ranging from
family violence, shortage of affordable housing,
physical and or mental health issues, unemployment or
job loss, drug and alcohol abuse and addiction, family
and relationship breakdown or not feeling safe at home.

Homelessness can affect anyone. It does not discriminate.

What we need are financial investment and support in
organisations that can and do provide services to help
people experiencing homelessness find a permanent and
safe place to live. Find a positive community
connection and services to help the underlying reasons for
their homelessness.

Helping people overcome their problems
and get back on track deserves our support -
financial and other. Organisations
like the Salvos and other charities need help. It costs
money to provide services to those in need. We have many
wonderful organisations that provide free services.
Like - St Canice's - which provides free meals in Kings
Cross.

We have always supported the Salvos and Vinnies.
I hope more people will. Especially our government.

unfortunately the breakdown of the family unit has led to great increases in homelessness. Socialist will continue to argue that we need more money to solve the problem even know its many of their ideologies that has caused the problem. Reality is that the more the family is destroyed the more homelessness, mental health, drugs, suicide. More money nornally means more ngos etc. Better to stop people falling off the fence than trying to pick up pieces. Children need a dad and mum and security. Not always possible but certainly the best option to prevent so many of these social tragedies.