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Homeless get a helping hand
Redland City Council is working to address the needs of homeless people on Redlands Coast
Council officers have been working with local community groups and government agencies to provide support for the homeless.
Their efforts are backed by Council’s recent commitment to do all it can to support and reduce the number of people experiencing homelessness on Redlands Coast.
Mayor Karen Williams said homelessness impacted all communities.
“The causes of homelessness are varied and complex; and homelessness is often accompanied by other factors such as poverty, drug and alcohol addiction, mental health issues and disabilities and a lack of social support,” she said.
“It is an issue that cannot be resolved quickly but one that needs government and community collaboration. The position adopted by Council is intended to provide a compassionate response to those who are most vulnerable, while at the same time considering the needs of the general community.”
Cr Williams said the policy recognised the complexity of homelessness and the
vulnerability of those who were experiencing it while balancing the rights of the public to access and enjoy the use of public spaces.
“The number of homeless people on Redlands Coast is difficult to estimate but 247 people were homeless at the last Census (2016).
“In recent times, there have been instances of homeless people camping in various Councilcontrolled reserves across the city,” she said.
She said funding for homeless services was the responsibility of the Federal and State governments, which funded specialist services for those combating homelessness and associated social issues.
“I have written to Minister for Housing and Public Works Mick de Brenni and have met with him to discuss homelessness across the city. I have also separately met with local service providers regarding homelessness.
“Council officers have been – and will continue – working with community groups and government agencies to build capacity in the service system through a coordinated multiagency response to homelessness.”
