By Bridget Brady
Lawson Poole Daylight Lodge member Bernie Rampton and the group’s Worshipful Master Victor Marques. 24609
Picture: Meagan Rogers
DESPERATE families struggling to cope are seeking refuge in their cars, as news of “hidden homelessness” emerges in Cranbourne.
Staff at the Cranbourne Information and Support Service (CISS) say people are lining up to receive help from the service, as more and more families find it hard to make ends meet.
CISS manager Leanne Petrides said she knew of a number of people who slept in their cars in Cranbourne because they had nowhere else to live.
“It was staggering and very difficult to discover about the housing stress and homelessness in the area,” Ms Petrides said.
“It (homelessness) is really quite hidden. A lot of people are living in their cars, but what shocked me more is that these people are you and me.”
Ms Petrides said the CISS, which offers assistance, information and referral for people in need, responded to 13,611 individual cases during the last financial year.
This was an increase of 1200 from the previous year.
Hampton Park was one of the towns where people needed the most help. Ms Petrides said it was normal to see about 30 people coming in each day for food vouchers and other forms of emergency relief.
“Every year is busier than the year before and I can’t see how that’s going to diminish any time soon.
“These are ordinary, everyday people, who are struggling to make ends meet.”
The Lawson Poole Daylight Lodge presented a cheque for $2000 to the CISS on Tuesday.
Members of the Lodge raised $1000 during the year through activities including sausage sizzles and monthly dances.
Freemasons Victoria, the governing body of the Lodge, contributed $1000 to the donation from their Benevolent Fund, on a dollar for dollar basis.
CISS manager Leanne Petrides said the support of the group was invaluable.
“We could not support the people if a group like yours did not support us,” she said.
“Sometimes a $30 food voucher is enough to get people over one hurdle.
“ I thank you for this wonderful donation.”
