Mater supports 50 Lives 50 Homes
Brisbane’s 50 most vulnerable homeless people are no longer sleeping rough, having been housed in permanent long-term accommodation as part of the 50 Lives 50 Homes (50/50) campaign.
The campaign, which launched in 2010, involves community organisations, government and businesses including Mater Health Services and Mater Foundation.
As part of the campaign, volunteers and community workers including Mater pastoral carer Mary Nichols (pictured) conducted an extensive survey with Brisbane’s homeless about their health.
“Each morning we met at 3 am at All Hallows, armed with surveys and torches in hand, we set out,” Ms Nichols said.
“I met men and women, young and old. They were generous with their information and sharing their stories and even let us take a photo which is a big ask of anyone at 4 am.”
Once those most vulnerable were identified, the 50/50 team worked to find them homes and connect them to the health care services they required.
Mater nurse Ros Butler said roughly 65 per cent of Brisbane’s homeless have significant chronic health conditions which have been ignored or untreated for many years.
“As a result we compiled health care plans for each individual and linked them up with health care facilities and allied health professionals,” Ms Butler said.
“We have been able to get them back into the system where necessary and Mater supplied most medications and equipment for these individuals.”
To date about 90 homeless people have been found permanent housing.
Image courtesy of Patrick Hamilton - Courier Mail