Anglicare Sydney's CEO Peter Kell has said that, while opposition leader Kevin Rudd's policy to provide emergency accommodation is a helpful step, a broader solution is needed to address the needs of Sydney's homeless.
Mr Kell insists that the Labor Party's $150 million plan announced on Monday - to increase the amount of emergency accommodation available to the homeless with 600 homes and units built in the next five years - was a positive move.
However he asserts that the needs of the homeless extend far beyond shelter, and Labor’s plan to provide housing for up to 2000 people Australia-wide needs to address other significant needs.
"Our experience working with homeless youth and those at risk of homelessness, through the
Parramatta Street Outreach Program and Reconnect in Cabramatta, has highlighted the
absolute importance of appropriate and secure accommodation as a matter of safety for
young people," says Mr Kell.
"However there needs to be an integrated policy approach and strategy which considers not
just the issue of emergency accommodation - which is significant - but a raft of support
mechanisms for those who are either homeless or at risk and vulnerable."
Mr Kell indicated that housing alone would not solve the many problems experienced by Sydney's homeless, pointing to the results of an Anglicare survey to state that the needs of homeless people extend to health, financial and social issues.
"Youth workers in a 2005 Anglicare youth homelessness study provided compelling evidence
of physical and mental health issues, alcohol and substance abuse, problems with accessing
basic support services, paucity of living skills and the sense of shame and obligation that
young people often bring when having to access homelessness services," he says.
"There is a need not only for housing provision but also extensive development of economic,
psychological, medical and emotional support networks."
Mr Kell has also acknowledged the efforts of local, state and federal governments in caring for homeless people through initiatives such as setting targets to reduce homelessness, managing emergency housing and investing in accommodation, insisting that better solutions could be achieved if all tiers of government coordinated their strategies.
"This is one area that would benefit from a coordinated, national anti-poverty strategy
involving all levels of government as well the community sector and business."
