The guest speaker for the meeting was former member, Andrew Howe. Andrew in his work as an Anglican Deacon takes a special interest in supporting the homeless of Bendigo. The homeless include those sleeping in cars, tents, couch surfing, improvised buildings and mobile homes, not just people sleeping rough on the streets. Andrew pointed out that all these situations place people at risk and unless there is some intervention circumstances are likely to deteriorate. Andrew has been motivated in his work because he observes that people in these circumstances are often shunned by others.

 

Andrew has stocked his Bunnings cart, purchased with a club donation, with blankets, water, jackets and a rubbish bag. He has found that discreet efforts to keep  living spaces tidy leads to greater acceptance from shopkeepers and nearby businesses. Andrew is very aware of the importance of people maintaining their dignity and is sensitive to finding the right opportunity to begin a conversation or offer support. He regularly comes across women over fifty five escaping from violent relationships with very few finances. Anglicare supports women in this situation who have children.

 

Andrew highlighted the work of Make a Difference Change Our World (MADCOW). This is an NDIS funded initiative of the Baptist Church with facilities in Hargreaves Street. This is a place where the homeless can have a shower or make use of the facilities to store medications. The banks of Bendigo offer support in accessing money. As if the challenges of things like toileting are not enough, Andrew experiences many examples where people return to their base to find things stolen. On the other hand he observes many examples of the generosity of the homeless in support of one another.

 

Homeless people are constantly moved on because it is an offence to sleep in the open unless you have a permit. Andrew pointed out that the reality is that it is impossible to obtain a permit. The going rate for rental of a one bedroom flat is $350 per week so the odds of breaking the poverty cycle for the homeless are extremely slim. Andrew's support is offered on a "no obligation" basis, giving unconditionally and with a sense of hope. Andrew very successfully further raised the complexities of homelessness and we thank him for being our guest.