“Approximately three years ago, the SJASC put out a call for a caravan to provide emergency relief for the homeless in our local area. We now have three caravans, which have all been donated by the same couple from Pambula. These three vans are constantly occupied.

“As a conservative estimate, the vans have provided shelter to approximately 50 people in that time providing at least 300 nights of accommodation. This is on top of the motel accommodation provided by the various agencies on an ongoing basis,” Mr Bell said.

In addition St James House built, in conjunction with the Anglican Church with a grant of $50,000 from the NSW government, $21,000 from the local Bendigo Bank and donations from many other clubs, business and individuals, is providing emergency overnight accommodation. 

Mr Bell said various agencies had come to the fore and been very willing to help including the SJASC, Vinnies and Salvos as well as an un-named donor who paid for a week's accommodation in a powered caravan.

“The homeless man in Merimbula has availed himself of great food and service at Pearl’s Place, Pambula. We have also seen the great initiative of cash tins at the Backstreet Bakehouse, the Seabreeze Cafe and the Mid Town Deli to pay for hot drinks and food for the homeless or needy. I want to thank all those known, and unknown, who have helped,” Mr Bell said.

But as good as this local help is, it is only a stop gap during very hard times. The NSW government action plan is for homeless people to seek help on a longer term basis and for emergency accommodation and support services they should ring Link2home (1800 152 152) any time, 24 hours a day. The homeless man in Merimbula has chosen not to seek longer term accommodation and support.

According to Mission Australia, every night more than 100,000 people in Australia are homeless. Homelessness can affect anyone from a wide range of backgrounds.