The 4 Voices organisation has compiled some alarming statistics regarding homelessness on the Central Coast following its visit to the region earlier this year as part of its 40 towns 4,000 connections campaign.
Members of the organisation talked to residents and groups, compiling data on homelessness in the region, much of it exacerbated by incidences of domestic violence, and the group has provided snapshots of Woy Woy, Gosford and Wyong.
The levels of homelessness and unemployment in all three centres are well above the state average, as are numbers for no internet access.
With a state average of .02 per cent for homelessness, Gosford came in at 1.4 per cent, Woy Woy at four per cent and Wyong at one per cent.
The state average for unemployment is 4.9 per cent.
In Gosford it is 5.4 per cent, in Woy Woy 6.4 per cent, and at Wyong seven per cent.
An average of 14 per cent of residents in the state have no internet access.
In Gosford that figure is 14.8 per cent, at Woy Woy 22.8 per cent and at Wyong 25 per cent.
For those on Centrelink JobSeeker benefits, the statistics paint a grim picture.
Median daily rent for a unit is $70 in Gosford, $68.57 at Woy Woy and $63.86 in Wyong.
With the daily JobSeeker benefit averaging at $54 per day plus $11 per day rent assistance, this leaves an income shortfall in both Gosford and Woy Woy – and that’s just on meeting rent.
At Wyong, recipients are left with a whopping $1.14 per day after rent to feed and clothe themselves.
4 Voices says many of those priced out of the rental market are victims of domestic violence.
“There are on average 100 domestic violence assaults reported per month on the Central Coast,” a spokesperson said.
“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.
“Women and their children escaping domestic violence must choose between staying in a dangerous home with an abusive family member or sleeping in a tent or a car because they can’t get the help they need.
“There is an urgent need for more social and affordable homes.
“We talked to people in Kibble Park and met Natalie, a 43-year-old woman who has been homeless for 20 years.
“She lives in an abandoned house with her dogs.
4 Voices said the 760 people on JobSeeker benefits at Woy Woy will struggle to find work, with 42 per cent having at least one addiction (alcohol, gambling, illicit drugs).
“We drove to a beautiful, tranquil spot -a pleasant place to camp – there were tents and a couple of old caravans,” the spokesperson said.
“But these people were not camping there; they were living there.
“No accommodation available, no jobs, single men, a family with two young children, all homeless.”
At Wyong, the spokesperson said the Neighbourhood Centre is a welcoming place for people experiencing tough times, providing breakfast services and some emergency shelter with access to showers and toilets.
“Manager Kylie Hoskins says that domestic violence is a major problem in the area and has worsened recently due to housing stress,” the spokesperson said.
“Kylie says there is a lack of government support.”
4 Voices said 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,” the spokesperson said.
“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