Victorian Catholic agency, Sacred Heart Mission, has launched an innovative three year program which aims to end the vicious cycle of homelessness for adults and open the path to social inclusion.
The three year model called A Journey to Social Inclusion (J2SI) seeks to address the underlying causes of homelessnes, Sacred Heart Mission CEO Michael Perusco said, according to a Catholic Social Services Victoria media statement.
People become trapped in a cycle of homelessness, and can become entrenched in the homeless sub-culture, Mr Perusco says.
"J2SI addresses the deep seated attitudes and emotional damage that have resulted from trauma and adaptations to the culture of homelessness by focusing on the root causes that underlie those dysfunctional behaviours."
According to Mr Perusco, the Sacred Heart model includes a key worker being assigned to each participant for practical and emotional support; therapeutic intervention to resolve the underlying causes of homelessness; equipping participants with life skills through group and one-on-one sessions; and linking participants into existing SHM services and providers to meet health, housing, mental health, drug and alcohol needs.
Vinnies worker Netty Horton noted that the St Vincent de Paul Society is finding it increasingly difficult to find alternative accommodation for homeless clients.
"Even in the last 12 months, our housing services have found that the accommodation options have reduced significantly," Ms Horton said.
"Disturbingly, the situation for homeless people appears to have been deteriorating regardless of a strong economy which has delivered benefits to others in our community. Now as we appear to be heading for tougher times, we are very concerned about the likely impact on people in poverty."
The Society, together with other faith-based agencies, is negotiating with the Victorian Government to register as a housing association in order to develop low cost housing.
The renewed attention to the plight of the homeless by Australian Governments has been welcomed by Catholic Social Services Victoria.
Denis Fitzgerald, Executive Director, Catholic Social Services Victoria, said while Federal and State Government focus on homelessness is pleasing, long term commitments and a diverse range of options are needed to tackle the issue.
"The homeless are among the most socially excluded in our society, and their needs are complex. Affordable and appropriate shelter is a starting point – money is the main constraint here, and the role of government is to ensure its availability," Mr Fitzgerald said.
"But money alone is not enough. The homeless need personal support, access to relevant services, and acceptance into a broader community within which they can achieve their full human potential."
SOURCE
Long term commitment and diversity needed to combat homelessness, says Catholic Social Services Victoria (Media Release, Catholic Social Services, Victoria, 30/4/08)
LINKS
Sacred Heart Mission
Catholic Social Services Victoria