Rally to use Tomaree Lodge to house the homeless

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Port Stephens residents are invited to take part in a rally this weekend, to turn the former Tomaree Lodge into temporary housing for the homeless. 

In response to rapidly rising homelessness rates, participants are calling on the Department of Communities and Justice to consider using the Lodge, as well as the former Stockton Centre, as a temporary solution to the problem. 

The number of homeless residents in the LGA has tripled since 2020, and Port Stephens Family Neighborhood Services has already assisted over 900 people experiencing homelessness this year. 

United Services Union Organiser and Anna Bay resident Melissa Pond, said it's disheartening to see long-term residents of Port Stephens suffer. 

"We know there's people who are families, there's elderly, there's people who are sick, people with disabilities, and they're being forced out onto the street." 

Ms Pond said dramatic spikes in rental prices were a major contributor to the problem. 

"We're seeing people putting properties on the market more, and people are moving up here from Sydney now that they're able to work flexibly; they're getting out of Sydney and looking for a sea change, and that has pushed up prices for people, pricing them out of the rental market in Port Stephens."

She also expressed concern for vulnerable groups in the region. 

"There's a real spike in domestic violence-related incidents and we're seeing that people are staying in those situations which is really unhealthy," she said. 

We understand there are other interests for that site but I really believe that this supersedes them. There really is nowhere for people to go."

It's hoped the demonstration will ease pressure on support services which are already stretched to their limit. 

The rally will be held at 10am on Saturday at the car park near Tomaree Lodge. 

Image credit: https://trra.com.au/

Calls for Former Stockton Centre to House the Homeless

BY OLIVIA DILLON

The State Government is facing calls from the Hunter, for the former Stockton Centre to be temporarily repurposed as emergency accommodation for the homeless. 

State member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp MP was joined by the Shadow Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Rose Jackson MLC this morning, in launching the call. 

The appeal is also being supported by a number of local support services, including Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS), Nova for Women and Children, Jenny's Place, and the Hunter Tenants Advice and Advocacy Service. 

The call comes as recent data indicates homelessness services turned away 114,000 Australians seeking help between 2020 and 2021, citing a lack of resources. 

Data out of Hume Community Housing backs up these figures, indicating the need for community housing in the Hunter rose by 24% between 2020 and 2021. 

The former Stockton Centre has eight renovated houses and two units on the site which are said be suitable for emergency accommodation.

Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp, said the building is owned by the Department of Communities and Justice, and should therefore be used to serve those in the community who need it most. 

"This asset belongs to the community, not some Minister in Sydney who says it’s all too hard. We need less talk and more action when it comes to addressing the housing crisis," Mr Crakanthorp said. 

"We've got a perfect storm. We've got an inflation rate going through the roof, we've got hardly any rentals available, and we've got people moving up here from Sydney and other places which is pushing up prices, making it even less affordable to even buy, let alone rent." 

The vacant site has sat dormant for almost two years, and Mr Crakanthorp says it's about time the government did something with it. 

"Every week I am dealing with people experiencing homelessness who are struggling to find accommodation. Whilst this is only a temporary solution, it's one that is desperately needed right now to get us through this crisis," he said.  

The need for community housing in the Hunter rose by 24% last year. 

Hunter Residents Encouraged to Donate Tents to Help Homeless

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Hunter residents are being urged to search their garages and sheds for unused tents and donate them to a new Tents for Homelessness initiative to help the homeless get a roof over their heads.

Local agent Chad Dunn and Mulligan Property Group started the tent drive in an effort combat rising rates of homeless in the Hunter - around 2700 people are estimated to be homeless, an increase of 22 percent since 2011.

Mulligan Property Group is currently using their Nelson Street office as a local drop-off point for donations.

Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery said while serious work needed to be done to manage the issue of homelessness in the Hunter, these efforts would help the homeless in the meantime until they could could find safe and secure long-term accommodation.

"Whilst the end goal of connecting people with the necessary services and support to ultimately be housed is a priority, for many there are nights spent rough sleeping until arrangements can be made," said Ms Hornery.

"It's a wonderful initiative, I really support it, and I'm hoping our local community goes and has a look in their backyards for tents or in their garages and sheds to see what they can find."

New or used tents can be donated at Mulligan Property Group's office at 108 Nelson Street, Wallsend.

Image credit: pixabay.com