Council provides link between homeless and community services

AN event linking homeless people and community services will be held at St Paul's Anglican Church hall to address the growing issue of homelessness within Ipswich.

Arts, Community and Cultural Services committee chairperson Cr Charlie Pisasale said the Street Links project would offer information about vital services including health care, accommodation, employment and training, legal advice, transport and referrals to care agencies.

The 2006 census listed 540 people who identified themselves as being homeless.  We are fortunate to have one of the lowest rates of homelessness in regional centres, but this doesn't mean we can ignore the problem.

"This project is about engaging people that are homeless or at risk of being homeless and providing a one-stop-shop of all the services they may need," Cr Pisasale said.

"With homelessness, there is often social isolation and transport is a huge problem. Generally these people are not aware of the services available and have difficulty getting to where they can go to get help.

"Being homeless doesn't just mean living on the streets or squatting in abandoned properties.

"Homelessness describes people who don't have conventional accommodation and includes people who are couch surfing, staying with friends and families while they sort things out, people living in hostels, boarding houses and emergency accommodation, and those who are living in their cars, sheds, trains and tents.

"With the recent economic downturn, council fears the number of people that fall into these categories has risen. However, with this event we are addressing the problem and doing something to resolve it along with the many other providers within our community."

Cr Pisasale said besides invaluable information and access to vital services, the event would also offer help and advice on personal grooming and groceries. The Ipswich Library would even donate books for the event.

Street Links will be held at St Paul's Anglican Church hall on May 25 from 9am to 3pm.