Viral sign highlights 'stigma' of Aussie homelessness
The sign goes on to say that 'people are just trying to survive'.
A photo of a sign posted to a local Facebook group points to the state of the country’s rapidly growing homeless population, according to a Queensland charity.
“See a tent? Just f***ing leave it, cheers,” the paper poster read. “Living without washing or toilet facilities is no joke. Maybe you can do something about the economic conditions that cause homelessness? Or let the homeless use the bogs in your pricey hipster cafe? Or just show some consideration! Otherwise we suggest: You mind your own fucking business.”
“Not everyone can live in a house and be smug about it. People are just trying to survive. Ask yourself what the f**k is wrong with you. Why are you such a w*****? Live and let f***ing live.”
The sign, which was uploaded to a Facebook group on the Gold Coast, has gone viral around the world. But the CEO of Rosies — a not-for-profit Queensland group that provides street outreach with hospitality for those experiencing homelessness, disadvantage, hardship or social isolation — says the poster’s sentiments hit home.
“We have a lot of people who are now living in cars and tents, as well as on this street,” Jayne Shallcross told Yahoo News Australia, “and people just need to understand that these people are doing the best that they can.”
In the last 12 months alone, Jayne said demand for their services, which beyond creating a connection and community provide cold and hot drinks, a bite to eat, a blanket and hygiene products, has significantly risen.
“We've had about a 30 per cent increase in the number of people that come to us across the board on average,” she explained. “But in some of our outreaches the increase in demand has been as much as 50 per cent.”
“A lot of those people have up until now had long term stable rental accommodation and were then pushed out, so we're seeing a wide variety of people and a lot of people who have not struggled with homelessness before.”
‘Many practical things that we take for granted’
Living in a tent or car comes with a myriad of challenges that most people wouldn’t even consider, according to Jayne.
“There's a whole lot of practical things like how do you ensure that you can cook a meal, wash your clothes, have general hygiene, get a haircut, be able to keep warm enough or if it’s hot ensure that you are comfortable and safe, or any of those types of things that we take for granted,” she said.
“But over and above that, is the fact that people are often moved on, whether that's by council or if they're on private property, people will often move people on so that's always a challenge.”
Then there are the difficulties around accessing bathrooms.
“Using a public restroom is often what people will do, but if they are locked at night that creates challenges,” Jayne explained. “A lot of times, businesses and particular areas where people are don't want people coming in and using their facilities. So you often get a negative stigma that goes with that, that makes it even more difficult for people who are already struggling.”
What can the public do to help the homeless?
There are plenty of ways that people can help support those experiencing homelessness, whether that's donating to an organisation like Rosies with financial assistance, fundraising or giving up your time, or just having a conversation with someone.
“People will talk about seeing someone at their local grocery store,” Jayne said, “and rather than going in and buying them something you think they might need, you could actually ask them on the way in, ‘Is there something I could get for you or or help you with?”
But above all, the CEO said it’s “understanding the things that people are going through” and acknowledging these people.
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“You find that people [who are experiencing homelessness] will talk about feeling invisible and socially isolated, feeling like they’re not acknowledged or people won’t even address them as a person,” explained Jayne. “A little bit of human kindness goes a very long way and I think that's what comes across in the note’s messaging.
“Homelessness could happen to anyone, and I think we're becoming much more aware that it could take your rent being increased or losing your job, or being sick and that all of a sudden puts you in a position where you no longer have stability. So it’s being mindful and aware of how we can help people because we could easily find ourselves in that situation.”
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