Australia's Hidden Homeless Report August 2010

WORKING WITH ASYLUM SEEKERS TO END HOMELESSNESS AND DESTITUTION

• professional casework support;
• housing;
• basic living assistance (BLA);
• help with utilities and emergencies;
• a volunteer program of one-to-one support (LinkUP);
• men's and women's support groups;
• State and national policy advocacy; and
• research towards a better reception framework for the future.
• Read more about Hotham Mission ASP's work

NEW FROM HOTHAM MISSION ASP

More than half of asylum seekers living in the community while they wait for their asylum claims to be resolved, have no access to a financial safety net. Many have no family or community support, and move constantly in and out of homelessness. There is very little government subsidized housing available to them, and as a consequence they are forced into abject poverty.

An international study to be released today (August 11. 2010) by the respected Hotham Mission Asylum Seeker Project, proposes a model that would relieve this hidden but profound suffering, within existing structures for addressing homelessness, and in a way that places little or no pressure on existing subsidised housing stock for Australian residents.

Hotham Mission ASP's Director Ms Caz Coleman, who led the research team, said that in the UK, Sweden and Canada, whether to provide adequate medium term housing for asylum seekers was not a question.

"These countries have brought legislation into line with their obligations under the human rights treaties they have signed, and so should we," she said. "The model we are proposing after international research and national consultations, would avert needless suffering, and bring benefits to the Australian community, by laying the foundations for the integration and productivity of those whose claims are upheld, and for better outcomes for those who must return." More

(June 2010) HOTHAM MISSION ASP RELEASES STUDY SHOWING HUMANITARIAN APPELLANT CHILDREN AT DOOR OF DESTITUTION
(Media Release) (Research Report)
Children who have already fled violence in their home country are now being left at the door of destitution. Australia is allowing "humanitarian appellant" children to suffer poverty at levels that may be in contravention of the International Covenant on the Rights of the Child, a study released today has found.

Hotham Mission Asylum Seeker Project Director, Caz Coleman, said that families who are lawfully awaiting the outcomes of appeals to the Minister for Immigration, for leave to stay in Australia on humanitarian grounds (humanitarian appellants), are being left out in the cold. More

(July 18, 2010) HOTHAM'S RUN MELBOURNE 2010 TEAM PIONEERS ANNUAL EVENT.
Thirty supporters led by Asamenew Yeshanew and Innocent Gakuba raised over $8,500 in Hotham Mission ASP's first team participation in Run Melbourne. It was great fun and a wonderful result - one we hope to build on next year. Please put Run Melbourne for Hotham in your diary for 2011.
SUNDAY AGE. PHOTO STORY:
The Sunday Age of July 4 featured a moving photo story on Asamenew. Link to story

HOTHAM MISSION ASP NEWSLETTER JUNE 2010
Features case stories, asylum seeker policy and program updates, and Hotham Mission ASP news.

HOTHAM MISSION ASP FACT SHEET #2 - JUNE 2010
A twice-yearly series of media and supporter updates on issues affecting asylum seekers in the community

WINTER CRITICAL NEEDS APPEAL
Please help us provide shelter and support to the most vulnerable asylum seekers this Winter. Hotham Mission ASP needs $150,000 in end of tax year donations to give families and single people safety and security to go forward while they await the outcome of their protection claims. How to help

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Hotham Mission ASP Volunteers make an enormous contribution to the wellbeing of asylum seekers in Melbourne. Can you help! More

FEATURED PARTNERSHIPS AUGUST 2010
Hotham Mission ASP works with a network of community organisations and philathropic trusts to serve asylum seekers. This month we highlight:

• THE HOTHAM MISSION ASP WOMENS ART PROGRAM thanks the Centre for Adult Education and artists Monique Keel and Bern Olle. The art program will be held as four sessions over eight weeks in July and August. The CAE are donating an art room and the artists are donating their time and skills. Thanks!
• SOCIAL POLICY CONNECTIONS FORUM
  Social Policy Connections is an independent, ecumenical organisation, motivated and informed by Christian social thinking. Its purpose is to expand awareness of social justice issues in Australia and overseas, and to influence public policy for the benefit of all people, especially the most disadvantaged. SPC is not aligned with any political party. Check out the new online forum: Social Policy Connections Forum
• FESTIVAL OF REFUGEES!
  Sunday, 5th September 2010, 3pm - 5.30pm
  Box Hill Town Hall, 1022 Whitehorse Road, Box Hill
  Performances from Burma, Sudan, Congo, Vietnam, West Papua, Sri Lanka, and more! Featuring award-winning singer Kavisha Mazzella and Muslim author Hanifa Deen with performances, followed by a Middle Eastern and West African Dinner. Aboriginal Elder Reg Blow will welcome the refugees to the festival and acknowledge the traditonal owners of this land.
  Tickets and Enquiries: Glenys or Visier: 9650 6811 or vcc@vcc.org.au
  $10 Admission. Bookings advisable by 20 August.
• DARING TO BE DIFFERENT Q&A PANEL!
  The Annual Xavier College 'Daring to be Different' Q&A Panel.
  The Asylum Seeker Challenge
  Wednesday September 8, 7:30pm - 9pm.
  Eldon Hogan Performing Arts Centre, Xavier College, Barkers Road, Kew
  Panellists include:
  • Paris Aristotle AM: Director of the Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture
  • Dr Mary Anne Lougrey AM: Associate Director of Jesuit Refugee Services
  • David Manne: Executive Director of Refugee & Immigration Legal Centre
  • Zamera Shariffie: Acting President of The Association of Hazaras
  Adults: $15.00 / Students: $10.00
  Online Bookings only www.trybooking.com/HBC