Fin Hansen, Yorke Peninsula Country Times

People sleeping rough could soon have access to a temporary homeless shelter on the Copper Coast.

Salvation Army Copper Coast Corps has expressed its desire to open a shelter during SA Housing Authority’s Code Red or Blue extreme weather responses.

Corps Lieutenant Alice Edge said conversations with Salvation Army stakeholders and the state government to establish the service were in the early stages.

“We have been listening to the diverse range of concerns and ideas from people in our community on the Copper Coast,” Lt Edge said.

Member for Narungga Fraser Ellis congratulated The Salvation Army on progressing a solution to local homelessness.

“A temporary shelter would be an enormous asset for the region,” Mr Ellis said.

“The people who may benefit the most are suffering from domestic violence and other dire situations they need to escape immediately.

“The shortage of rental stock is also clear‚ the wait time for a Category 1 rental applicant is around two years.

“The government desperately needs to increase public housing stock — hopefully this (a potential shelter) can be a short-term answer for people who are experiencing homelessness and need reprieve from extreme weather events.”

Minister for Human Services Nat Cook said the SA Housing Authority planned to engage with councils on Yorke Peninsula to develop extreme weather plans which best met local needs.

“This localised partnership will include the SA Homelessness Alliance, led by Uniting Country SA in the YP region,” Ms Cook said.

“I’m looking forward to working with regions to develop these localised responses and am keen to hear from community members and stakeholders alike who all have something to offer.”

A shelter would add to the provision of meals, emergency relief, vegetable garden, shower and laundry services and financial counselling which are already offered by The Salvation Army at Kadina.

Locals struggle with rental shortage

A pregnant single mother of three children said she has been shifting between free camping sites on the peninsula in recent months.

“I’m a Category 1 (rental applicant) but I’m seen as not acceptable because I don’t earn enough,” the woman said.

“But my references would say otherwise — I’ve never missed a payment.

“We need adequate housing on the YP, the costs of everything have gone up but the only thing that hasn’t gone up is housing stock.”

A Kadina mother said she had been living in her rental for almost eight years before being forced to leave about a month ago.

“The prices (for rentals) are astronomical,” she said.

“I priced up a caravan (to live in) but the caravan parks can’t guarantee spaces and it’s an expensive option for a low-income earner.

“When you try every avenue, it makes you feel defeated and like it’s all a waste of time.”

UCSA Yorke and Mid North Homelessness team leader Kurtis Edwards said many locals had been couch surfing with family and friends.

“Many people are experiencing homelessness for the first time or re-experiencing homelessness due to housing stress, affordability and the lack of private rental properties,” Mr Edwards said.

“There are reports of people sleeping rough, in tents and in caravan parks.

“This puts additional stress on families and relationships.

“UCSA’s homelessness service endeavours to support people in these conditions but with limited housing options this is extremely difficult.”

There were eight private rental properties available on YP according to realestate.com.au at the time of print (Tuesday, May 9), comprising two on the Copper Coast, five on southern YP and one at Fisherman Bay.

“Many people are being forced into homelessness as a result of leases not being renewed or rent increases beyond what they can afford,” Mr Edwards said.

“The rent increases, cost of basic items and the increases in utilities are all having an effect on people’s quality of life.

“Homelessness needs to be addressed as a whole-of-community response.

“Early intervention and prevention strategies need to be implemented so people are not facing the prospect of being homeless.”

This article appeared in Yorke Peninsula Country Times, 9 May 2023.