Building a network to combat homelessness

The 4 Voices organisation recently visited the Central Coast during its 40 towns 4000 connections campaign.

The campaign saw two vans travel from Brisbane to Sydney, stopping at 40 towns along the way, aiming to forge a network united in the challenge to reduce domestic and family violence and homelessness through the power of connection.

At Gosford, Woy Woy and Wyong, volunteers spoke to service providers, police, community organisations and people in need.

“Social issues such as unemployment, homelessness, lack of affordable housing, poverty and domestic violence have significant impact on many residents within the Central Coast community,” a spokesperson said.

“The Central Coast had the third-highest number of domestic violence related incidences in NSW from June 2022-June 2023, with the area also consistently over-represented in statistics for Breach of Apprehended Violence Orders (AVOs).

“There are on average 100 Domestic Violence assaults reported per month on the Central Coast.

“But people are much more likely to report issues of noise complaints or barking dogs than domestic violence – the problem is way more widespread than the numbers reflect.”

The spokesperson said the Central Coast is also one of the top 10 homelessness hotspots in the state, with the number of homeless in the region rising by 86 during the 2022-23 financial year compared to the previous year.

“Women and their children escaping domestic violence have to choose between staying in a dangerous home with an abusive family member and sleeping in a tent or a car because they can’t get the help they need,” the spokesperson said.

“There is an urgent need for more social housing and affordable homes.

“On the Central Coast we met Nelly, a 48-year-old woman who has been homeless for 12 years after fleeing violence.

“With post-traumatic stress disorder and a range of other issues, she trusts no one.

“She lives in an abandoned house with her two dogs.

“She says it’s scary and wishes she could get housing.”

The spokesperson said Centrelink benefits are just not enough to secure housing for many and having animals makes it even tougher.

They also met  a woman 20 years after an accident left her with an acquired brain injury and a permanent disability.

“She’s never been able to get on to the disability pension because she didn’t really understand the process and doesn’t have anyone to guide her through it; she has been homeless on and off for 15 years,” they said.

“(These) are two of the many women who have slipped between the cracks of the system.

“Without family or friends to guide them, they’ve lost trust.

“They are judged, ignored and marginalised.

“The connection between domestic violence and homelessness is obvious.

“The connection between mental health and homelessness is not so obvious – people with no family support living on the streets, either ignored or mistakenly assessed as being affected by substances and shunned.

“It’s a highly charged issue but we need to educate and increase compassion and understanding.

“So many people are struggling in silence; isolated, lonely, judged.

“4 Voices is committed to building a network of girls and women who care about each other.

“We provide phone support to people in need from volunteers all over the country.”

If you need help or can offer some time to help others contact www.4voices.org.au