Responsibility for the homeless?

By MisTy

The overwhelming fear when you fall asleep, you are at your most vulnerable. The long dark, harrowing hours endured every night, a fight with your inner fears. The reality of your situation, the judgements, the abuse. The stigma attached to those who find themselves homeless. The pain and anguish associated with the people in this YouTube clip may have been two years ago, could easily be time-stamped present day, the stories remain similar if not worse. Life on the streets with the loss of family, the substandard housing called emergency accommodation. Families are living in overcrowded situations or poorly converted garages. Is this a solution for the homeless?

Post-pandemic prospect for homeless – Housing or streets?

by Hwi

My interest in the social issue of homelessness bloomed during my social work student placement. Through the placement, I discovered my past ignorant thoughts and actions toward the homeless community. It pushed me to see the complexity and diversity of homelessness and its close ties with housing.

From the Alert Level Four lockdown on 25 March, after weeks and weeks of isolation we have finally reached Level One with zero active cases. During the lockdown, we were advised to not to break our bubbles, and stay in our homes. But how could this be done for those without a home to stay in?

Better welfare is necessary and possible

By Petra

I find myself frustrated at the advocacy role that social workers play, especially at Work and Income. It reminds me somewhat of the billionaire who exploits labour and land at every opportunity, only to donate millions of those stolen dollars in charity to exploited communities. Strangely misdirected, round about, and very inefficient for a society which holds this value to such esteem.Surely it should raise many questions and challenges, when primarily government funded social workers are advocating against a government funded institution purposed with supporting people in unemployment. It seems a lot like an acceptance that the welfare system isn’t working. It should raise even more questions why the current benefits rates and current system are not being utilised for the newly unemployed. What makes this cohort different from the current “job seekers”?