By Bonny Burrows
A case of a couple living out of their car in a Beaconsfield carpark is a “shocking” example of how a local shortage of emergency housing leaves those in dire need “abandoned” by the system.
The Cardinia Shire community is at a loss as to how to help a homeless couple who as of May last year has been camping out of an unroadworthy vehicle in the private business carpark of 4 Old Princes Highway, Beaconsfield.
In a letter to the Gazette, written by the owner’s corporation manager on behalf of the shop owners, the syndicate said they had let the couple stay initially because “they believed the system was going to help them and they would get proper accommodation.”
However, instead they say they have witnessed a system in desperate need of an overhaul.
When the couple set up camp eight months ago the shop owners contacted Eastern Regional Mental Health, the council and police in a bid to achieve the best possible outcome for everyone – support for the couple, and the vacating of the car park.
Expressing a desire to help not hinder the couple, the group said it was agreed no charges would be laid as the pair had nowhere else to stay.
Instead, the focus would be on finding suitable accommodation, but to date, nowhere suitable has been found.
According to the shop owners, after initially providing power and assessing the couple for eligible rehabilitation services, the council and Eastern Regional Mental Health walked away advising they couldn’t help.
“The police advised us they can’t assist with removal of the car as it is not a public safety hazard. The council can’t help because the car is on private land,” the letter states.
The owner’s corporation manager said in the letter that the system had abandoned the homeless couple, the shop and business owners and the general public.
“It appears the only way forward is for the property owners to take legal action to forcibly remove them and their vehicle at their cost,” he stated in the letter.
“The couple will then have nowhere to go. (This) is an outcome that is totally unsatisfactory to all.”
Cardinia Shire Council has admitted there is a shortage of emergency housing and support services locally.
Its acting manager of community strengthening, Petrina Dodds Buckley said the council was continuing to work with local community agencies “in an attempt to find a solution to what is a sensitive and challenging situation.”
“The council recognises that there is a shortage of affordable and accessible housing in the shire and is working in partnership with local housing agencies to advocate to State Government for increased community housing and social services for homeless people in our community,” Ms Dodds Buckley said.
“The council will continue to work with local community organisations so that our more vulnerable residents receive the support and assistance they require.”
Eastern Regional Mental Health was contacted for comment.
