My name is John Kenney, member of the Peer Education and Support Program (PESP). PESP is a volunteer program of the Council to Homeless Persons for people who have experienced homelessness to be involved in the solutions to homelessness. I consider "homeless" a label, so I prefer to say people without a home.
I used to run a removals business. I worked with homelessness services, like Hanover to move their clients in to their homes. When the motor on my truck broke down, I couldn't work, so I couldn't afford the $300 rent which was due. I became homeless.
Homelessness affected my health. I couldn't get the help I needed in the area I was in. I tried to go to services in the city, but was told I had to go back to the area on my healthcare card, where there was no help.
I started selling the Big Issue to earn money and got a job in a cafe to earn meals. This helped me to survive life on the street.
My truck was my bedroom. I would get up early and go back to the truck after dark, so people wouldn't see me or hassle me.
The council slapped me with fine after fine, for parking my truck where I wasn't supposed to or for too long. It was difficult.
I got the attention of the media and they ran an article showing me sleeping in my truck and quoting me saying I couldn't access a service. Then the services came to me and wanted to help. I finally had my housing applications done. The council made me an offer I couldn't refuse and I moved in to emergency accommodation through St Vincent de Paul. Eventually my housing came through and I moved in to a permanent Wintringham property, where I am now.
The things I have learnt from my experience:
People should not be refused help from a homelessness service, just because their healthcare card says a different area.
Rents should be capped, so that more people can afford housing.
People between 25 and 50 can miss out on a service. We need to make sure they get help when they don't have a home.
More recreation programs, like day-trips are needed for people without a home.
People without a home need a 24-hour safe for their belongings. It's hard to carry all your stuff around.
Long-term, flexible support is needed for people who sleep rough.
