General News
30 June, 2024
HOMELESS IN THE WIMMERA: Program desperately needs more funding
The Horsham Times this week concludes its special two-part investigation into homelessness in the Wimmera, where more than 500 people have reached out so far this financial year, desperate for their most basic need - a roof over their head to call their own. Wimmera Mallee News journalist Caitlin Menadue reports...
On-ground homelessness support programs have only one aim in mind: to get rough sleepers into a house.
But these programs across the state are losing vital funding, forcing hundreds to make it on their own as limited resources make it hard to help everyone.
Street to Home is a Uniting Vic Tas pilot program that allows assertive outreach workers to establish connections, engage, build trust and support rough sleepers at their own pace.
For Glenn Kimberley, this is his purpose and he loves it.
What started out as a part-time job has turned into a full-time work for Mr Kimberley as he is the only Street to Home assertive outreach worker for homelessness for the entire Wimmera region.
He looks out for 132 rough sleepers - and the numbers just keep increasing.
Originally a contractor with Uniting Vic Tas maintaining lawns and gardens, Mr Kimberley saw his career take a turn for the better when an entry-point worker in Ballarat became injured and he stepped in to help for two months.
He stayed on for a short while once the worker was cleared to return, and then the role of assertive outreach worker for the Street to Home Program in Horsham was posted online.
Uniting Horsham team leader in homelessness Belinda Gilpin encouraged Mr Kimberley to apply.
He looked at the job description that outlined the worker needed at least five years' experience or qualifications in the field.
"I didn't have any of that," Mr Kimberley said.
"I wasn't going to apply but Belinda just told me to, so I did."
Before he knew it he was called for an interview with team leaders and a senior manager and soon after that he was offered the job.
"I get up in the mornings and just want to get to work - I love what I'm doing," Mr Kimberley said.
"It can be confronting at times but that's okay.
"You meet them when they hit rock bottom and then work with them to get them back up to society."
Mr Kimberley is passionate about his work and said he cared about helping the vulnerable.
"I love the small wins and building their trust," he said.
With unsettling statistics continuing to trend upwards, homelessness doesn't fit into just one demographic anymore.
In the Wimmera, families with young children, unaccompanied children, women over 55 years of age and 60-to-85-year-olds are the key groups being seen sleeping rough right now.
"The community needs to understand that it's happening and to be kind to them," Mr Kimberley said.
The future of the program hangs in the balance, with the question of funding still not answered.
Funding is being sourced from generous community groups and through donations.
"I've been to churches and Rotary to give speeches - it's been fantastic," Mr Kimberley said.
From Homelessness to a Home (H2H), another vital program, was shut down after the funding that supported it was drastically cut.
The program offered 1845 households with access to stable medium and long-term housing and support if they were experiencing homelessness and living in emergency accommodation as a result of the Covid pandemic.
H2H was a success, helping to move hundreds of Victorians off the streets.
* If you are homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless, contact Uniting Vic Tas on 5362 4000 or visit https://www.unitingvictas.org.au/services/homelessness