Vic: Support for government's homeless move during games

AAP General News (Australia)
02-14-2006
Vic: Support for government's homeless move during games

MELBOURNE, Feb 14 AAP - A major welfare organisation has got behind the Victorian government's
efforts to secure accommodation for homeless people during the Commonwealth Games.

Anglicare Victoria chief executive Ray Cleary said the move to book the equivalent
of 600 beds for the needy, at a cost of $60,000, was vital during a peak in accommodation
demand.

Up to 90,000 visitors are expected to stay in Melbourne during the March 15-26 Commonwealth
Games, and it is feared the surge in demand for beds could lock low-income people and
welfare agencies out of the short-term accommodation market.

"Anglicare Victoria, as a provider of city services to homeless and the disadvantaged,
is aware of the demand for services," Dr Cleary said today.

" ... and the need to provide accommodation for low-income people during a time of
high demand for accommodation."

Dr Cleary called on the government to provide similar funding year-round, to boost
the number of accommodation options available for homeless people.

Critics have slammed the move as an attempt to hide the homeless during the Games,
but the government has said it will not prevent people from "sleeping rough" in the streets.

AAP dr/dk/rj/bwl

KEYWORD: COM06 HOMELESS

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