Homelessness affects one in 200 people in Australia. The reasons people experience homelessness are numerous and complex and are associated with issues such as family breakdown, mental illness and financial difficulty. Young people are in particular danger of experiencing homelessness because of difficulties in securing long-term accommodation and are disproportionately affected by poverty and the lack of affordable housing.
Aus Living Support Ltd is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to combating the rising issue of homelessness on the Sunshine Coast. The statistics on homelessness in Australia illustrate the necessity of their work:
Locally, 1600 people will sleep rough tonight on the Sunshine Coast;
Australian Bureau of Statistics published in 2016 that 116,427 people are homeless or living rough Australia wide;
Distressingly, 250 Australians are turned away from Homelessness services due to lack of housing;
195,000 Australians are on social housing wait lists;
2017-2018 over 288,000 Australians sought assistance about homelessness.
With respect to the ages affected, as per the 2016 census:
60% of homeless people were aged under 35 years.
42% of the increase of homelessness were 25 to 34 year age group ( up 32% from 2011 ).
The number of homeless people 55 years and over has steadily increased over the last three census.
People aged between 65 and 74 years experiencing homelessness increased to 27 persons per 10,000 people.
Homelessness is a difficult and growing area of need. However, Aus Living Support Ltd is well placed to assist. The charity is made up of four dedicated members with a combined 45 years of experience in the not-for-profit sector. Each member has worked directly on the issues facing the homeless and low income earners.
Their core purpose:
– To find solutions to help alleviate homelessness and provide rent affordability in local areas of the Sunshine Coast, Gympie and Noosa.
– Create long term aid for clients.
– Enable clients to change their life in a positive way that will allow them to better integrate with normal living.
– Use every available resource to give clients the specific tools and skills needed to advance their wellbeing.
– Help clients through high standard relief and life skills education.
– Provide a safe environment for clients to re-establish their life
Aus Living Support Ltd are a passionate group with ambitious goals. Their projects include:
Low Rent Housing Units
Low rent Housing units, single and double bedroom. Units will be in a single complex. Our housing units will be temporary accommodation for those that are currently homeless or those that are at risk of becoming homeless. Considered as short to medium term. It is with these units we will help to begin the journey to a new life for the people that come to us.
Rent Supplement Scheme
After the stay in our low rent units we endeavour to offer longer term rental supplement. This aid will allow people the dignity of living within local neighbourhoods. Another step to a new life.
Drop-in Centre
Sometimes people just need a break from the hardships of life on the streets. Our drop-in centre(s) will offer a much needed respite with a functioning kitchen stocked with prepared food. Take away hampers can be given to those that do not like to stay. A laundry and shower facilities will be available. Initial drop in centre will be mobile.
Op-Shops
Opening shops will allow us to raise our own funds. The shops will provide access to clothing and household items for those in need.
click here for more information- auslivingsupport.org/op-shops
Fundraising
We are raising funds for these projects and more to help your local community. If you would like to help you can donate here – auslivingsupport.org.au/donate
VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITY
If you would like to help out, Aus Living Support will be holding a sausage sizzle to raise much needed funds.They will require a skilled barista, food servers at the sauage sizzle and raffle ticket sellers.
10 people are required across two shifts:
5 people from 8 am – 12 pm
5 people from 12 pm – 4 pm
When: Wednesday 11 December
Where: Bunnings Noosaville, Eumundi Noosa Road &, Gateway Dr, Noosaville
Contact Volunteering Sunshine Coast to get involved:
Ph- 5443 8256
Email- admin@volunteeringsc.org.au
