Issues of Concern

Activity: For each Specific Needs answer the following questions:

1. Why is it important for Homeless People?

2. Examples of how it can be met.

In your opinion what are the two most significant needs for Homeless people? Why?

Financial Support

These services are imperative for people facing homelessness, however there can be difficulties accessing these services due not having a fixed address. Materials such as food, material goods and vouchers can also be classified as financial support. The Department of Human Services provides a one-off crisis payment and Rent assistance.

Accommodation

This is the greatest need for people facing homelessness. The Department of Housing provides short term and long term accommodation for homeless people through the purchase of low cost accommodation. There are also community organisations that aid in this sector.

Transport

As homeless people are marginalized in society and as such, they are unlikely to use public transport. As well as this, they are unable to pay the fare for the necessary transport. This can only add to the poverty cycle as they can't access education or work that could break the cycle. Homeless Youth Transport in Victoria aid young adults to have access to transport for education and work.

Legal Aid

Homeless people tend to have a range of issues that need expert guidance and judgement. Homeless Outreach Legal Services offer legal help for people facing homelessness - no appointments are necessary.

Employment

Training, skills and education play an integral part in preparing homeless people for employment. Mission Australia provides basic training programs where homeless people can acquire skills that will help them obtain employment and break the poverty cycle.

Education

Homelessness makes it difficult to maintain school or further study, and leaves people vulnerable to long-term unemployment. The Smith Family is an organisation that works with students to provide them resources they need to complete their education.

Counselling

This is imperative for people facing homelessness, particularity those who struggle with poor mental health. People facing homelessness can access counselling services provided by State Government agencies.

Health Care

Health care is a basic need for all Australians. This is provided for the homeless is through hospital and community health services.  Mental Health services can be accessed through hospitals and mental health clinics funded by the NSW Government.

CAR:

• • Characteristics of the individual

  • Aspects of the service

  • Resources 

All individuals need to access various resources throughout their lives in order to maintain their wellbeing. At times, groups with specific needs might require additional resources, or might need to access resources more regularly than those who do not have specific needs.

Age:

Homelessness affects individuals of all ages. 17% of homeless people are aged 12-24 years. Age can restrict access to services, especially in homeless children. Homeless adolescents may feel too young to seek housing services. Older people who are homeless may feel shame and failure so may not access services. 

Gender:

Homelessness can create divisions in services according to gender. There are more services to females than males in the form of women’s refuges. This imbalance is due to an increased need to protect women from domestic violence. Other factors such as caring responsibilities, lower income and trouble with finance are all issues for women. 

Level of education:

Many people have poor numeracy and literacy skills. The homeless need programs to improve these skills. They also require education about accommodation programs, welfare groups and social programs. Lack of self worth and entitlement may prevent homeless people from accessing these services.

First language spoken 

A person from an ethnic background may have language barriers that affect their ability to access relevant resources and information. Language may affect familiarity and knowledge of relevant services. Racism and discrimination may also affect access to services. 

Culture 

Cultural barriers make a person fearful of government agencies and welfare groups. Some homeless people may find the accommodation or services offered to be inappropriate, specifically in regard to gender and segregation. 

Socioeconomic status 

Social and Economic Status is closely correlated to the health and wellbeing of individuals. Lowered self esteem may lead homeless people to shy away from social contact or to avoid being noticed at all. 

Type of disability 

Mental health issues are a significant source of disability for the homeless. Mental disability can compound the difficulties faced in accessing services by creating barriers to communication. Social Stigma and Physical disabilities are also issues. 

Location

The location of some services makes it impossible for a homeless person to access given their limited transport options. 

Opening hours

Homeless people use daylight hours to forage for food, beg or sleep. They may feel anxious or threatened when surrounded by crowds and noise. Thus they may find it difficult to access services during regular opening hours. 

Confidentiality

Homeless people have a lowered sense of self. They may feel that they are a burden to society, embarrassed or threatened if their details are recorded. Empathy, patience and professionalism are essential if the homeless are to feel safe to share their details with services. 

Staffing

Once inside a service, homeless people may encounter barriers by staff who are poorly trained or unsympathetic, especially if there are cultural barriers to overcome. A bad experience at one place may deter them from accessing others too. 

How available are the services within our community? (Choose one in our community)

Resources necessary to access services. For youth, a variety of services and support structures are available, however, the personal resources available to these individuals such as time, money, energy and knowledge, will affect their access to these services. 

Time 

A homeless person may be perceived to have a lot of time at their disposal. When night sleep hours are interrupted though, daylight hours are unproductive. Time management may also be poor due to a lack of motivation. 

Energy (consider classification and degree of limitation) 

With a limited diet, possibly one meal a day, it is likely that homeless people lack energy. Their priority is to maintain body temperature and stamina. Their reduced energy may mean they are unlikely to walk distances to access services. They are also more prone to illness. 

Money 

A lack of employment, absence of a bank account, fear of being robbed are all reasons for stopping homeless people having money. An inability to pay for services may cause anxiety and reduce their self esteem, pushing them to further isolation. 

Knowledge (i.e. knowledge of disability and treatment options, communication skills) 

Many of Australia’s homeless have a low level of education. Schooling has been sporadic and the opportunity to learn limited. Thus they may find it difficult to access information, fill out forms and seek help. 

Justify the two most significant needs for youth and discuss the implications if these are not met (8 marks). 

• Provide reasons why these are the most significant needs for the group

• For each of the two most significant needs, discuss the positive and negative implications for the group if these needs are not met.