I was homeless for 12 years on the streets of Melbourne, i was addicted to drugs and alcohol and i had to commit crime to survive. I had some contact with homeless shelters etc during this time, but mostly i avoided those places to avoid feeling judged and having to answer a myriad of questions when i was clearly in no state to answer them. If there was a way that homeless people could come in, be let into a bedroom and given access to a shower for a week or two without all the hassle of the questions, then more people would get themselves cleaned up, feel more respectable, maybe even get away from the cycle of addiction long enough to identify that they need help and can get it from these agencies if they are willing to ask for it. I realise it is a big ask, but mental health a addiction issues cannot be conquered with red tape and neither can homelessness.
Thanks
Angel