There’s no quick fix for the social problem of homelessness.
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It’s one of those uncomfortable issues that unless those affected are staring you in the face, or living on your street corner, then they are fairly easy to ignore.
It’s often late at night when families with homes are tucked away in bed, that the people who live on the streets come out.
That’s when they can pull out their makeshift beds and set up camp in public places and go largely undisturbed.
Residents who alerted council to a homeless woman living in a picnic hut in Wollongong’s Lang Park are certainly concerned for her safety.
They feel sorry for her, like we all do.
But they fear leaving her to take shelter in the hut alongside a children’s playground is not the answer.
A Wollongong City Council spokeswoman said staff had been working with the Wollongong Homeless Hub to provide support and alternative accommodation for the woman.
She’s apparently known to Council staff and to date, has declined any offers of assistance.
”Homelessness is a complex issue and we have a number of people in our community who sleep in public spaces such as in our parks and at our beaches,” the spokeswoman said.
“We do, from time to time, receive feedback from community members who raise concerns about homeless people in our city.
“We believe it’s important to provide support to these people in a compassionate and caring way.”
While the council, the Homeless Hub and other organisations are working to find ways to the woman and countless other homeless people, the street is the only place they feel comfortable calling home.
Wendy Lawrence, the woman in the picnic hut, feels society has turned its back on her.
That may not be the reality, but that’s her perception.
And in a world of clutter that includes shopping trolleys, a fire pit, blankets and scattered food, it’s not hard to see why her perception is her reality.