The cover of the submission depicts some of the experiences shared by women facing homelessness.
McAuley Community Services for Women, founded by the Sisters of Mercy, has made a submission to a Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into Homelessness, bringing to life the stories and experiences of women in their own words.
“They told us about being unsafe, tired, cold, afraid and hungry; of the pain of separation from their children; of being turned away in the middle of the night; of the frustrations of an overloaded homelessness system that hinders and frustrates as much as it helps,” the submission said.
“We asked them what worked. They had many examples of what didn’t.”
‘You are tired all the time, trying to figure out where to go next, how to get through the next day,” one woman said.
‘During winter, I couldn’t feel my fingers or toes because it was so cold. Now when people complain about cold weather, I just smile…because I know what being cold is really like,” said another.
The submission also explained the key features of McAuley’s approach and how women’s homelessness differs from men’s.
“We highlighted the fact that family violence is the main driver of homelessness, and gave our perspective on how systemic failings and shortcomings when women leave violent relationships too often means they end up homeless,” the McAuley website says.
McAuley Community Services for Women each year supports more than 1100 women and children who’ve experienced homelessness and family violence.
“In our submission we outline how McAuley’s approach features all the ingredients needed to prevent homelessness and respond effectively when it occurs,” the submission’s executive summary says.
“Our model was tested and validated by a Deloitte Access Economics report in late 2019.
“It responds to what women want: good health, safe, stable and affordable accommodation; friends, family and social connections; and the ability to work or take part in meaningful activity.
“McAuley’s model should be fully funded and replicated throughout Victoria.”
The submission recommends: More housing solutions; Addressing factors placing children and young people at risk of homelessness; Addressing systemic failures and blockages; Ending the link between family violence and homelessness; Investing in mental health care in the community; and Eliminating access barriers.
Read the full McAuley submission to the Victorian Government inquiry here.