By Kyra Gillespie
A permanent home has finally been secured for the homeless couple who were living out of their car in a Beaconsfield carpark.
For almost a year the Cardinia Shire community have been at a loss as to how to help the couple who had been camping out of an unroadworthy vehicle in the private business carpark of 4 Princes Highway, Beaconsfield since May last year.
But thanks to the fundraising efforts of small business, which garnered the attention of the Eastern Regions Mental Health Association (ERMHA), the couple have now settled in a home in Traralgon.
Ben Borovic and Peta Corbidge of South East Laundry Services launched a fundraiser to get the struggling couple – Matt and Michelle – back on their feet.
As a result they were able to secure a bond and a month’s rent for the couple.
“It’s purely because of the article about the fundraiser in the Gazette,” Mr Borovic said.
“With the backup of the paper our fundraiser was able to give ERMHA a bond and a month’s rent in advance.
“It’s great because those kinds of services can’t actually give out money so this has really helped to get them started.”
Mr Borovic says Matt and Michelle are settling in well since moving last Saturday.
“They’re settled in and ready to take on the next chapter of their lives.
“They’ve got the basics but are short of things like a microwave, TV, coffee table and other knick-knacks, but they’re very upbeat about being there.”
The small business owner hopes to take on more fundraising projects in the future.
“Since the article we’ve had all sorts of people coming through the shop wanting to do their bit to help. It’s become like a little community.
“We’re going to keep this going because homelessness is a big problem in the area.
“As I’ve said before we are a small fish in a big pond, and we’re proof that it’s really not that hard to make a change.”
Not everyone was as willing to lend a helping hand.
Nearby shop owners first lodged a petition to council asking them to move the vagrants on.
When that fell through, legal action was then considered.
“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,” the shop owners had written in a letter to the Gazette.
The Cardinia Shire Council has praised the outcome for Matt and Michelle.
In light of the recent census data, which revealed the rate in homelessness has gone up 52 per cent in Cardinia, the 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 Association was contacted for comment.
