STAY AT HOME!
That message has been drilled into the world populous through political speeches, online campaigns, pop up ads, the news, and even police officers on the street! But what about those without a home to stay in at all?
According to a survey conducted in 2018, nearly 400 people are sleeping rough each night in Melbourne CBD and surrounding suburbs. With the invisible fear of COVID-19 staining the air of the city, the risk of contracting the disease is far greater for its homeless population. To get a better understanding of the situation I spoke with Clusterian, Levi Fernandez of Society Melbourne.
Society Melbourne is a social enterprise with the vision of eliminating youth homelessness in Australia. They achieve this amazing goal through a series of initiatives (focusing on hospitality) that help train and give employment to young people currently experiencing homelessness. However, with the hospitality industry crippled by the current pandemic, they have had to close four out of the five programs they were running. These include their Crêpes for Change food truck, two coffee carts, and the café home.two on the University of Melbourne’s Parkville campus. However, home.one on Florence St, Brunswick is still open for some delicious coffee and plant-based meals. Takeaway only, of course!
Levi didn’t seem too downtrodden by these closures, as thanks to some pre-planning on permits and grants, Society Melbourne has enough available funds to see them through quarantine. With government schemes, like the Job Keeper payment, giving them an additional 6 months to their contracts.
Although these schemes have been a saving grace for many, Levi comments that they “only help people like you or me” who already have a stable foundation. Those in less fortunate situations are left relying on independent organizations like Launch Housing and Melbourne City Mission to keep them safe and healthy. In fact, it’s in foyers like these that 90% of the young people in Society Melbourne’s courses are living. The remaining 10% are in private residences with rent covered by Society Melbourne. All have been able to join the Job Seeker scheme, which is now, “actually a liveable wage” at $550 a week.
Levi then reminisced on how during the 2000 Olympic games, the city of Sydney housed a large portion of its homeless population in hotels and motels in order to preserve a “cleaner” image when the world’s eyes were on them. Leaving both of us asking the same question, where’s that offer now? It was only a few days after our conversation that the answer came when state governments announced they’ll be housing rough sleepers in empty hotel rooms of their major cities. A silver lining through the fog for sure.
Another silver lining through these turbulent times, is that many have had to face the reality that we’re, “closer to being homeless than millionaires!”, to quote Levi. The hope is that empathy may replace sympathy when it comes to people attitudes towards those living on the streets, as it doesn’t matter how comfortable you may live, that comfort isn’t as solid as you think.
Even those lucky enough not to be under financial strain will perhaps gain new perspective at the end of this, because this is the first time in our lives that every single person we know is going through the exact same thing. Rich or poor, New York or Milan, doesn’t matter the circumstances every human has been affected by this virus and perhaps that universal experience can bring us closer together.
Though the world may be on hold, it’s not stopping Society Melbourne from making the most of this time. During quarantine, they’ll be repairing/upgrading their food truck and working on the back end of things to make sure that when everything returns to normal, they’ll be out there and ready to help again!
If you would like to lend your support in helping the homeless population, than Levi recommends donating to the National Homeless Collective and all the great work they do supplying essential things like sleeping bags and “BLACKPACKS” of food,toiletries, and essential sanitary items.
Thanks so much to Levi for is insights, and stay safe and healthy out there!
Throughout this seemingly never-ending self-isolation period, I’ve seen a lot of people post their incredible daily routines to social media. Most of these include tasks such as meditation, exercise, baking or learning a new skill. Although all of these have proven to be effective in keeping our minds active, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with guilt for not doing those things. Personally, I can barely muster up the energy to put away the pile of washing that’s been sitting at the end of my bed for two weeks, let alone learn an entire second language.
These are unprecedented times.It’s okay to stay in bed all day, it’s okay to cry and it’s okay not to start writing the novel you’ve been telling yourself you’d write when you had the time. There are very few things I feel capable of right now but some things have really helped get me through this period, so I thought I’d share them in hope that they help you too.
Keep in touch with your friends and family
Despite feeling very lucky to be living with my partner right now, I still feel a desperate need to speak to my friends and family every day. FaceTime your parents, call your best friend, simply stay in touch, they need it just as much as you do.
Schedule FaceTime parties with a group of friends
As someone who loves to grab a few drinks with my friends on the weekend, not having that option has been very difficult for me. Instead I’ve been scheduling a weekly FaceTime party where we all have a drink, banter and play our favourite party games while keeping within social distancing guidelines. It’s been wonderful to see all their faces and have a much needed laugh.
Journal
Writing is always a good release, even just a few lines are better than nothing. I find that writing when I’m at a very low point helps me put things in perspective and at the very least make for an interesting read once all this is over. Reading previous entries I wrote while in a bad place makes me feel stronger, like I can overcome anything if I overcame that.
Stop ordering Uber Eats every night!
I know, nobody wants to do their groceries and nobody feels like cooking, but right now is a better time than ever to improve our eating habits. Usually after a long day at work and sitting in traffic on the way home, the last thing I want to do is cook a meal. Well, we’re stuck at home and the kitchen is right there, may as well try cooking your favourite meal! I recently mastered the art of making Japanese Curry which has been perfect for the recent drop in temperature! Please ensure you’re nourishing your body as well as your mind, we all need it.
Gaming or Reading
Right now, reality can become overwhelming and not a place we want to spend much time. Reading is always a good option for an anxious mind, I’m currently reading Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman. Immersing myself in the world of Asgard has helped completely take me out of my current situation, even just for a little while. I’ve also found picking up my Nintendo Switch and transporting to the peace and quiet of my Animal Crossing island has given me a sense of control.
There are many things we could be using this time for and I do hope you’re using it wisely but don’t put too much pressure on yourself, just do the best that you can do right now. This is something many of us have never experienced before and may never experience again. It’s incredibly challenging but it will come to an end eventually. Check in with your friends and loved ones, stay inside as much as possible and please take care of yourself to ensure you remain safe and healthy.