Supercentre created to solve growing homelessness numbers
MELBOURNE: Damien Chandler spent many years as a rough sleeper, often pulling things out of charity bins to use as blankets in parks. When he found crisis accommodation, it was hardly a restful place.
“I’d go to a homeless service to sleep when it was bad weather on the way,” he said.
“There’s going to be snorers, of course, there’s always snorers. It’s so depressing, you’re sleeping with your sneakers, everything you own, because it will be stolen.
“They’re nothing like this at all.”
“There’s going to be snorers, of course, there’s always snorers. It’s so depressing, you’re sleeping with your sneakers, everything you own, because it will be stolen.
“They’re nothing like this at all.”
As well as housing for 134 people, including 60 short-term crisis accommodation units, the building will have a range of drop-in health services, including dentistry, optometry and alcohol and drug intervention.
There is also a tech hub, with free wi-fi, cloud storage and a place to recharge phones. A gym, laundry and library are also available, while a cafe will provide meals.
Design choices were made to project a calm environment, with lots of natural light, timber panelling and warm colours.
After doing his barista training, Damien will volunteer making coffees at Ozanam House.
Even a well-made cuppa can be a big deal for those who don’t have much, he says.
“Other places have a bucket of coffee in the corner, it is what it is, it’s better than nothing,” he says.
“We get their names and when you bring out the coffee and say ‘here John’, it’s that extra layer of personalisation.”
Housing minister Richard Wynne toured Ozanam House on Friday, describing the facility as state of the art.
“This is really the future of homeless intervention going forward, this is a spectacular building and the residents who will be living here deserve the best,” he said.
VincentCare CEO Quinn Pawson said the new centre had been designed through consultation with clients. Feedback around noise levels led to the use sound reduction materials, he said.
“Really the benchmark for us is would we want to live here? If we could answer yes to that question then I think we got it about right,” he said.
It’s the rooms themselves which will be the big difference, according to Damien.
He recalled staying at Matthew Talbot Hostel in Sydney in one big dormitory full of beds. There was no privacy, including in the showers, and the syringe bins were overflowing.
“In the daytime people sit there lined up waiting for their meal, there’s just no hope or no life. It’s always stuck in my mind,” he said.
Each of the apartments at Ozanam House is lockable and has its own ensuite. There are large windows with views of nearby Royal Park and the city.
“You’ve got your own room, with a door that locks, your own shower and toilet. That’s everything,” he said.
“Anyone sleeping in the park right now, coming in and having that, it really stood out for me.”
