I’ve been homeless for around two years. I lost my job as the manager of a dental research laboratory then I lost my accommodation. I’m on the job seekers benefit. The only other time I’ve received govt assistance was over 30 years ago for three weeks.
In the first few days of living on the streets I got the bash. I lost everything: my ID, Medicare Card, my Bank Card. When I went into the bank and I told the guy I didn’t have any ID he walked off saying I was wasting his time and that he had more important customers to look after. A young guy who worked there overheard and came up and said “that’s not right” and helped me out. When I told him I didn’t have any money to pay the $52 fee for sorting things he pulled out his own credit card and paid it.
I always sleep with my bag under my head otherwise someone will steal it. I never feel safe out here. The Victoria Police are great. They know me and look out for me.
With 16,000 people on the waiting list to get Govt accommodation I don’t hold much hope for finding somewhere to live. There’s some places I can go to in the day to hang out. I love the vibrancy of the city and all the different cultures.
I feed the birds wholemeal bread. Only the best. I like bringing people joy and always try and stay positive. Cause it is what it is.
