I’ve often seen posts on social media about Adelaide’s homeless. Mostly it’s people wanting to help but not sure how, other than donating to places like Catherine House or the Hutt Street Centre. Well it turns out there IS something you can do which will have a more immediate effect, and all it takes is the press of a button.
An app called Street Connect has been designed by SA Housing Authority, which refers someone you think may be sleeping rough in the Adelaide CBD, North Adelaide and surrounding parklands to trained and experienced outreach workers from Street to Home, a Specialist Homelessness Service.
Street to Home use the information you provide to visit people within 24 hours and help them access services – eg accommodation, healthcare.
Street to Home will ensure the person is added to the By-Name List if they aren’t on it already. The By-Name List is an initiative of the Adelaide Zero Project and enables housing to be provided to the most vulnerable people.
It can take time to build a relationship and connect people with the services they need. You only need to refer someone once.
Street to Home recommend that you don’t approach anyone you don’t know. You can make a referral based on your own observations. However, if someone’s made it clear they don’t want your assistance, please respect their decision.
Sleeping rough in public areas isn’t illegal, and Street to Home don’t force people to move on, or remove their belongings – eg bedding.
If you choose to provide your contact details, Street to Home may contact you if they need to clarify your referral.
About rough sleeping
A person is sleeping rough if they’re sleeping in public areas, vehicles or squats because they don’t have access to safe and secure accommodation. Sleeping rough is the most obvious type of homelessness, and is particularly dangerous because people are more vulnerable to becoming a victim of crime, and developing long-term health problems.
People sleeping rough aren’t always aware of the services available to them. Some people are difficult for Street to Home to locate because they move from place to place, or find secluded places to sleep and store their belongings.
Not everyone staying on the streets is sleeping rough. Some people you think are sleeping rough may have accommodation elsewhere and require support to return home.
If you are sleeping rough in the Adelaide CBD, North Adelaide, or surrounding parklands and would like assistance from Street to Home, the quickest options are to phone them on 1800 811 180 or visit the Street to Home Hub. The Hub is located at 73 – 79 Light Square, Adelaide and is open 7 days per week from 6am to 9pm.
For more on Street Connect, click here.
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