We will not fill this article with a lot of statistics but two are important. First, homelessness officially increased in our area by 60% between the 2016 census and the 2021 census and we all know things are tougher now than they were in 2021. We also know that people living rough were very unlikely to fill in a census form, so the 60% figure could be significantly higher. Secondly, all the agencies dealing with homelessness and poverty report a sharp increase in the need for their services, due in a major way to very noticeable increases in the cost of living.
Jason and Kerry Rantall run Bettermentall Inc. and they are dealing with this major problem on a daily basis. They are trying to make a difference and they are making a difference, so we asked Jason how the problem can be solved.
“If we expect someone else is going to fix it, nothing will happen. We all need to all have some skin in it, in some form, and start looking after our own backyard. If we can look after our own community, we can solve the problem in our own community, and then another community can solve its problem and so on.”
The first thing toward helping, is to better understand that people living rough are from all walks of life, and all age groups are affected.
“It’s from young people, like kids, right through to the elderly, and there’s a whole range of reasons. Life gets too big on some, and they end up on the streets because they just can’t handle what’s going on emotionally and mentally and physically. There’s others that have had traumatic experiences, whether it be family violence, and they’re escaping to be safe. I mean imagine having to escape to the streets to feel safe. There’s violence against women, there’s violence in the home, there’s a whole range of reasons.
“I know a guy who lost the person he loved most; his wife. They had a home, they had jobs, they had plans; then she died suddenly, and he just couldn’t cope. He turned to alcohol, lost his job, lost his house, and was on the streets. So we never know what’s happening. And it can be such a quick slip.”
Jason wants you and me to know that the homeless aren’t all dangerous or unapproachable. They have slipped, for any number of valid reasons and they need help getting back.
Jason continued: “If people actually heard the stories, they’d have a bit more of an understanding why people are where they are. Instead of throwing stones and accusations and judgments at people, if they actually sat and listened to their stories, they would realise that none of them really want to be there.”
Jason will argue that we need more and more local people to get involved – ordinary people who could help set up a community hub, or help find accommodation, or volunteer some time at an existing centre, or run a raffle or collect warm clothing. Any one of a hundred things which will help the lost get back on their feet.
Jason says, talk to a homeless person if you see one, just as you would to anyone else. They are people who have lost their way temporarily and just by opening a dialogue you may be helping with their eventual recovery. If you would like to help Jason and Kerry with their work, or learn how you can do more to end homelessness, contact them on: 0412 418 431. Email: info@bettermentall.com.au. 36 Contingent Street, Trafalgar, VIC 2824.
