WHEN crisis accommodation beds at Albury’s Quamby House were closed last month, there was widespread acknowledgment this would cause problems for the homeless as winter descended.
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Barely a few weeks later and those fears have been borne out with St Matthew’s Church reporting an increased flow of homeless men seeking assistance.
Archdeacon Peter MacLeod-Miller says inaction in finding a legitimate alternative to Quamby House means the homeless are forced to desperation, seeking help from the church because there is no other option.
Father MacLeod-Miller is critical of those who failed to address a situation where the homeless, often vulnerable, have nowhere to turn.
While member for Farrer, Sussan Ley, has acknowledged the situation as one of high priority, requiring a combined community and political solution; member for Albury Greg Aplin said the NSW government was already providing $135 million for a problem that was not unique to Albury-Wodonga.
His comments about the limitations of emergency housing might be rejected by those who cannot access a roof over their heads at all.
