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Relative to 'HOUSING STRESS' in Tasmania, on the available evidence what the community has here in the abandoned LGH Nurse’s Home is:
- A community asset, owned by the community, paid for by the community; and
- An asset that is no longer fit-for-purpose as it once was; and
- An asset that has considerable potential to alleviate the stress of a considerable number of people suffering the consequences ‘governance’s’ failures over time; and
- An asset currently managed by a department – the Health Dept – that no longer has a purposeful use for the community asset; and
- An asset that another department – the Housing Dept – has expressed an interest in resting it from its current management;
- An asset that the Housing Dept. has no demonstrated capacity to manage all the ‘values’ in it –heritage, 21st architectural, etc; and
- An asset that is capable of being refurbished in such a way as to make a considerable contribution to the wellbeing of the community who in fact ’own’ it and have invested in it over time; and
- An asset that needs ‘outside the box thinking’ with nobody inclined to be innovative let alone be audacious.
All that said, the ‘political will’ to be proactive is not in evidence but speculatively it seems that for whatever might pass for ‘rationalism’ with opportunist developers inevitably lurking on the ready to profit from using this ‘community asset’ is palpable. Given that it is highly unlikely to be for the 'purpose' of housing people in affordable and much needed 'home places' the disconnect is more than lamentable. ..... CLICK HERE TO READ MORE
Guy Johnson, Australia’s first Professor of Urban Housing and Homelessness, draws on the most recent Census data to break down seven myths about homelessness.
Myth 1: Most people experiencing homelessness sleep on the streets
Rough sleepers are the most visible face of homelessness but they represent only a small fraction (about 1 in 12) of the homeless population.
Myth 2: Most people experiencing homelessness are drug addicts or alcoholics
About 60 per cent do not have a drug or alcohol problem and of those that do, the majority develop this after they become homeless. This is a troubling statistic that highlights the associated risks of homelessness.
Myth 3: Most homeless people have mental health problems
About one third of Australia’s homeless have serious mental health issues. Similar to drug and alcohol statistics, up to half of these people developed their mental health problems after becoming homeless.
Myth 4: Most homeless people break the law
Statistically, homeless people are actually more likely to be victims of crime than perpetrators. This highlights the increased vulnerability that comes with being homeless.
Myth 5: Giving to people who are begging only encourages homelessness
There is no evidence to support the claim that giving incentivises homelessness. People experiencing homelessness want safe and secure housing, the same as everyone else.
Myth 6: Most of those who are homeless choose to be
The majority are poor and have experienced a health problem or a financial shock, or cannot stay at home because of violence or abuse and cannot afford alternative accommodation.
Myth 7: There’s enough emergency accommodation
Australia does have some crisis and emergency accommodation but agencies are being overwhelmed by demand as numbers continue to grow.
Professor Guy Johnson is a panel member during the two day National Homelessness Conference (6 -7 August) that launches a week of activity designed to raise awareness, and promote solutions to, Australia’s growing homelessness problem.
Johnson leads the partnership between RMIT and Victorian housing organisation Unison which is drawing on academic research and street smarts to improve the lives of 650,000 Australians facing housing issues.
Story: Grace Taylor
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