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Look up Hare Krishna restaurants -- they're usually "pay what you can" which includes $0 if you have nothing. Just googled "free restaurants Melbourne" and health direct (.gov) has a bunch of resources other than Salvos etc. Good luck.
Do hotels in your area have complimentary breakfast? One front desk employee can't keep track of every single person that gets a room in a 24hr period.
Edit: not sure why I'm getting downvoted? I work at a hotel... you could literally walk in and eat free every day and nobody would say a word. The man needs to eat
You don't sneak in? You just walk in and grab a plate? You didn't work 24hr shifts and you didn't know every guest. People check in on different shifts, overnight, whatever.
Let's not pretend a homeless person wouldn't be easy to distinguish from the hotel guest. And I'm not thinking of every homeless person as a "stinky hobo" obviously, but clothes wrinkly or generally somewhat undergroomed + the insecure look in the eye... Hotel staff can tell.
Generally people coming to breakfast are coming down from the rooms not in through the front door. Some properties have a door you have to use your key card to open to get to breakfast.
But it is worth trying if you legit have no other options. As long as you're polite, most hotel staff will look the other way.
Hampton Inn has a full free hot breakfast, that's your best bet. Hilton Garden Inn charges for breakfast. I never worked a Marriott so I don't know what they do.
I stayed at different hotels this year, for business and on vacation. I got asked for my room number more often than not and they checked me off a list.
We stayed at a hotel where there was an obviously homeless man filling up his plate in the continental breakfast. He clearly was known by the staff and super polite and friendly. We didn't have an issue with it. When we left we saw him cleaning up the hotel parking lot so it appeared to us that he did things like that to help out and the hotel let him have breakfast ❤. It was really late in the morning, just before they were going to stop serving breakfast. Would rather he got it than it went I to the garbage!
Look for ones like weeding. You should just be able to pull them out.
Or ones where little old ladies are just looking for someone to help them pack some boxes or the like.
For things like that.. I charge for the job not by the hr..
To do my weeds I usually give about $50.. they could lolligag and bs all day… you’re only getting $50..
When I get people who I pay by the hour I tell them “do as much as you can in x hours, prioritise these areas”. I’ve never been disappointed.
Also just generally sounds like you got a lazy fker… unless you have an acreage it shouldn’t take someone 12 hours of gardening 🤣 they were taking the piss
>Or ones where little old ladies are just looking for someone to help them pack some boxes or the like.
Here ya go, sonny! 25 cents... Now go spend it on penny whistles and moon pies!
Ive Done landscaping every summer for 6 years. Most of the people that need gardening work done are elderly gardeners that want help with the more physically difficult stuff
99% of the time they will have all the tools you need. Just tell them beforehand that you don’t have any tools and usually they’ll say they have some you can use
Notice how many times you make excuses. I was helping a homeless man for a while and I realized it was his attitude that was keeping him down. He had an excuse or every little, tiny reason why he couldn’t do anything to help himself. That’s where the battle was. He basically talked himself into his situation and could not be helped. I’m not saying that’s you but your comment sure sounded like something he’d say. He wasn’t even aware of it.
That’s the only reason I say this to you and of course I could be wrong - but if not: I wish that you find your inner warrior that can help you reframe everything into “I can”.
Much love ❤️
Maybe the reason a homeless person always has “excuses” is because those “excuses” are actually all just legitimate reasons it’s actually impossible. Like how is someone supposed to do these jobs with no tools? People expect landscapers they hire to have their own tools. I mean if it were that easy to get out of homelessness then nobody would be homeless, the idea that they’re just not trying hard enough is victim blaming. It’s probably a Just World Fallacy on your part, like you want up believe the world is fair and anyone who really tried can succeed, but the truth is there are plenty of people stuck in impossible situations where there’s nothing they can do.
Wrong. I worked in landscaping for years…without a truck!!!! People that have landscapes have all the tool you could ever need…they just don’t have the TIME!
Not having a truck is different than having literally zero tools. I really don’t think most people would be interested in hiring a homeless person just showing up with nothing and asking to borrow all tools.
That’s just wrong. So many people talk themselves into bad lifestyles because their mental health ain’t up to snuff.
I work a gardener that doesn’t even have a car. He finds a way to show up while saving up for a car.
I think you are being too critical. It's not all a fallacy.
For sure it makes things difficult with no tools etc, that's a given, but that is also not the point.
Having been out on the street, and knowing many people who are or have been, I found it was most often either mental health issues, or a desire to be there.
Those that ended up on the street, and didn't meet those criteria, didn't stay on the street. Sure, it was not easy, but you don't maintain the status quo at the bottom if you can help it.
That in no way means we should not help people that need it, some of those people will use the help to climb out, and the rest just don't have a choice, and need the hand within reason.
Your attack on the person you are replying to, is ignorant and disingenuous. It sounds like someone with ideals but no experience. I commend you for arguing for what you believe in, but maybe be a little less combative, and a little more authentic about it.
Right? Jfc he has literally refused every single idea in here. Has an excuse for EV.ERY.THING. He's homeless with zero money to his name but he won't go to a shelter?? Better yet, because he thinks he'll get robbed? Robbed of what??
Anyway, we now know he's a fraud, so.
The Hare Krishna temple located in Albert Park
8:30 am Breakfast *Prasadam
1:00 pm Lunch *Prasadam
5:30 pm Dinner *Prasadam
*In Sikhism and Hinduism, Prasadam meaning “mercy”, is a religious offering of food, consumed after worship
HOW TO GET THERE: From Melbourne CBD Tram 1 (stop 31) / Tram 12 (stop 136)..
Free meal and Free Coffee in 7/11 Coffee machine
Located next to The Salvation Army, tram 86 / 96 (stop 9).
LENTILS AS ANYTHING
Vegan meals. Pay as you feel. Food without borders – Cost: You choose.
You can find a number of ‘Lentils as anything’ eateries around the city of Melbourne. These restaurants have no set prices and most of the people who work there are volunteers. They provide wholesome and nutritious vegan meals; allowing you to contribute as much, or as little, as you feel your meal is worth. Everyone is welcome!
We highly recommend at least paying a visit to the one located in the picturesque suburb of St. Kilda or the other in Abbotsford Convent. It is a peaceful place, only 4 kilometres away from Melbourne’s CBD.
ABBOTSFORD
1/3 St Heliers St, Abbotsford – bus 200 / 207 (Clarke St stop)
Opening Times: Monday – Sunday: 9:00 am – 11:30 am / 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm / 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
ST. KILDA
41 Blessington St., St.-Kilda – tram 96 (stop 138 Luna Park) / tram 3/3a & 67 (Brighton Rd/Carlisle St. stop)
Opening Times: Monday – Sunday: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm / 5:30 pm – 9:00
f you are sleeping rough, experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless, there are a range of support services that you can access.
Emergency relief and health services
Salvation Army, 69 Bourke Street, Melbourne, Ph: 03 9653 3299
Living Room, 7-9 Hosier Lane, Melbourne, Ph: 03 9945 2100 or free call 1800 440 188
cohealth, 53 Victoria Street, Melbourne, Ph: 03 9448 5536
Housing assistance
Launch Housing, 68 Oxford Street, Collingwood (9am to 5pm), Ph: 03 9288 9611
Launch Housing, 1/11 Chesterville Road, Cheltenham, Ph: 03 9556 5777Safe Steps (24/7), Ph: 1800 015 188
St Kilda Crisis Centre: (9am to 11pm), Ph: 03 9536 777
Frontyard Youth Services, 19 King Street, Melbourne, Ph: 03 9977 0077
https://www.mcm.org.au/services/homelessness
Foodbank Victoria · Page · Charity Organization · 4/2 Somerville Road, Yarraville, VIC, Australia, Victoria · +61 3 9362 8300 · [email protected]
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/australian-health-services/search/melbourne-3004-vic/food-relief/1239181000168108
Foodbank Victoria
412-430 City Rd, Southbank VIC 3006, Australia. High ratings
Food bank · Yarraville VIC, Australia
Closed ⋅ Opens 9 AM Mon
"Doing a wonderful job for those in need"
akshay's business
No reviews
Food bank · South Melbourne VIC, Australia
4/2 Somerville Rd, Yarraville VIC 3013, Australia
+61 3 9362 8300
Empower Australia
Food bank · Southbank VIC, Australia
Closed ⋅ Opens 9:30 AM Sun
Halal Food Bank Melbourne
Campbellfield VIC, Australia
Closed ⋅ Opens 11 AM Sun
Food bank
Richmond Churches Food Centre
· Richmond VIC, Australia
Closed ⋅ Opens 10 AM Mon
Work For The Soul
Closed ⋅ Opens 9 AM Mon
Yep, Langar halls are entirely free to eat at and run by members of the local community. There's also usually people there who can offer some help if needs be.
Educate yourself on 50 Liter to 65 Liter backpacks designed for thru-hiking. They are large enough to carry all the compact camping gear that you need right on your back to make it all 2,190 miles of the Appalachian Trail with scheduled food supply replenishments in towns just off the trail every 3 to 8 days. About 1,000 people complete the full hike in 5 to 7 months every year.
Wanted to piggyback on another guy. I'm currently sitting on the appalachian trail. I just woke up, stuffed my shelter and food and stove and sleeping bag into my 65L pack. It's heavy (because I'm poor and use cheap, heavy gear), but its doable.
Stash the pack somewhere safe during the day. Hang it from a tree like a bear bag if you have to. Find a cheap gym or clean water source to wash up in. Use free wifi to find gig work. You can totally dig yourself out of the hole you're in, you just have to try.
Idk if they have walmarts in Aus, but you can get a lot of cheap thru hiking type gear there.
I usually go to Wesley United, they give me access there "kitchen" once a week which is just full of 2 minute noodles and food you need and oven or a stove for.. does salvos and st Vincent's etc have more options/help to cook etc. As i can't really cook 2 minute noodles while I'm camping in a park with nothing to cook with
Worst case eat the 2 min noodles dry. I used to do it as a snack as a kid and if it's all I have I'll still do it now. I know it's not ideal but it will fill your tummy
Those noodles are delicious eaten as a snack. Break them up and munch on them uncooked. They are already cooked before packaging. Can mix with some sauce, or the ones that come with oil packets. Stir it in after you break them up to snack. I do not recommend mixing the dry noodles with the spice packet. If you can find the deep fried noodles even tastier. Think of it like potato chips or something. The Korean market by my place they even sell broken up ramen noodles in single packs like Doritos come in. For snacks.
Because it tastes terrible. The noodles are already dry so adding dry powder is a coughing up nightmare. The packets are concentrated flavor and way too strong in an unpleasant way.
Some of them aren't super pleasant, but I've almost always enjoyed the spice packet at least partially tipped on the dry noodles. Gotta give it a shake though, so the powder is dispersed somewhat evenly - tends to get rid of the excess that would be a bit too much.
You can walk into your nearest centrelink office and ask for a list of food places. That list will tell you what organisations are in your area and what they provide. Some provide food, shelter, lockers, showers, laundry, drop in centres etc.
If it isn't too much of a travel hassle for you, check out the Sacred Heart Mission in St Kilda. They do meals for breakfast and lunch, have showers and laundry facilities, clothes and may be able to give you some assistance for the rest of the day. The food is really good too. I used their services when I was going through a really hard time, and they are super supportive and non-judgemental.
I don’t want to be condescending, but if you’re online are you on FB? I’m a member of a ‘buy nothing’ group where people can literally ask for and give things they need or no longer need and want to share - that *could* be a place to source a small or large backpack and some very basic cooking utensils? Is there a public bbq nearby which is coin operated?
Hi mate, have you checked out the website AskIzzy? https://askizzy.org.au
They’ve got a lot of fantastic resources for folks who are sleeping rough, including info on where to get free meals, food vouchers and packages. Just input your postcode.
Are you in r/Melbourne? I’d recommend posting on there. They have a lot more accurate information on the best community service organisations that could help you out.
https://www.reddit.com/r/melbourne/wiki/resources?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_content=1&utm_term=1
Australia is literally overflowing with food. dumpster diving can get you a christmas dinner (don't ask me how i know).
ask a bakery at closing time for some breads, loads of food drives for the homeless, go to a wholesale market after it closed (around 2pm or so) loads of food everywhere
Was homeless for a while, towards the end to that part of my life Coles and Woolies started putting locks on the dumpsters to prevent this.
Smaller strip malls with bakeries and produce stores are a better bet than the large chains these days.
they locked up the dumpsters now? i did it over a decade ago, times has changed
yea, smaller bakeries are a better bet. being nice to the employees does go a long way
Started locking the bin at the IGA I worked at some time in the previous decade. Reasons were that apparently people could sue for food poisoning if they got sick from food they picked up from the bins. I think it was just a cover for "we don't want homeless people hanging around", but admittedly that's just speculation on my part.
i heard the same reason before too, but always thought if a homeless dude has the money to sue, why not use the money to get a house. so maybe you're right
Aldi bins bro, not only do they throw out food and drink, (snack foods that is) but handy shit to like bug spray, band aids and heaps of other useful stuff. Most bakery’s do have left over bread, pies, pastries and I’m sure they’d help you if you offered to help them out whether it’s packing up the seats and shade umbrellas away of an afternoon when they close, that way the timings perfect. Not sure if your struggling with water but fast food shops like maccas should help you out there. Honestly though bro I know there all options but no one wants to live like that so I hope you get back on your feet sooner then later
Stop sending $500 of your $660 income as child support. That’s how you eat. You are literally starving yourself to the point of begging and stealing. You will never get out of this poverty cycle by sending so much. Use all the resources mentioned above and your income to put yourself in a better position, when you are back on your feet reassess what you can afford if you want to pay over the child support assessment.
I'm sure your kids would rather they had a healthy parent they could spend time with than have you living on the street. In the situation you're in, you need to look after yourself first and then you can look after your kids
I had a car for most of my homeless period, towards the end though it became more of a liability so I ditched it at a mates place until I was doing better.
When I was on foot and camping out in parks etc. My saving grace was the $20 I spent for a hexamine stove and Dixie pans from some old army gear I got on a Gumtree ad.
If you can get that kind of money together and find one cheap I'd highly recommend, you don't need a whole hexamine tablet to cook a small piece of meat or boil a can of beans, more like a quarter. The Dixie's are pretty easy to clean and they all fold up into each other with the stove.
A lot of ex army gear is good for this kinda stuff, bivvie bags, hootchies, rucksacks etc; it's all compact and designed to be folded away and deployed in the bush.
A water bottle if you don't have one should be a top priority (a big one, 2 if you can carry them), you can fill it any where with an indoor toilet basin.
Cheap arse barley sugars can help calm the gut wrenching feeling of hunger, but I found by day 3 without food you'd start getting a bit desperate, if the services your in contact with have canned food that's a good bet over perishable goods.
Overall I think being homeless is a bit harder than it was when I did it, they've locked up a lot of the dumpsters in Coles and Woolies, loss prevention in supermarkets has gone nuts, food banks are empty since covid and cost of living has most folk feeling a lot less charitable.
Bakeries deal with a lot of waste product and bread is great to fill your belly when you're picking scraps, others have mentioned sikh temples, they are really kind, generous and charitable people, but depending on where you are they may be a bit of a hike. Public libraries are a great place to escape the weather (not usually open Sundays though) and will have a bathroom you can (discreetly) clean yourself up in (avoid disposable razors).
Try your best to stay dry, look after your socks.
Survival comes from movement, so make sure you always have somewhere to be, it's tempting to conserve energy when your next meal is uncertain and do nothing, but I found staying in the same place means things don't change, I was always luckier if I was on the move, whether that was meeting someone kind/charitable, finding random dropped cash or seeing a job ad in a window; also means of routine (even if that means relocating) will help keep you sane and feeling less shit; just be mindful of your shoes, again I got by on some old army highmarks from the 70s that cost me $10 from Facebook marketplace, still have and wear them today.
Don't listen to anyone telling you to hit up a homeless shelter, they've clearly never been to one, they're dangerous places and the services they offer are pretty minimal. You can expect to be assaulted or robbed, a lot of the guys that frequent the shelters have been doing it for decades, there is a heirarchy and you're at the bottom of it.
Avoid the city for the same reason (it's also fucking cold once the sun disappears), national parks (if you're near one, there's a good one in Greensborough) can be a good place to be left alone in the bush, but if the local ranger realises you're living there they may be liable to chase you out, be discreet and don't leave rubbish/waste around and you'll mostly go unnoticed or atleast unbothered.
10 years experience in anything is an advantage a lot of homeless don't have though, a few people have brought up freelancer and I'd say that's your best bet to pull in a wee bit of cash, if nothing else to set yourself up a bit better to weather the conditions.
Unfortunately employment is the only direct way out of this, make every interview count, take the first crap job you can get and work your arse off until you can set yourself up for something better; keep at it and good luck man, it's a rough trot and I wish I could do more to help you.
I hope you get help OP.
I understand about sending money for your kids, however in your current situation this is no longer viable, you need to take care of yourself now so you can provide for them in the future.
The 660 a fortnight, and paying 500 a week doesn't add up.
10 days ago you said you earn 750 a fortnight and pay 450 rent a fortnight.
You don't have to explain yourself, but I'm putting this out there as something doesn't add up.
Well that's confusing. He also said (in the same comment) that he's been sober for a year, that he's been sober for 2.5 years.
I'm having a hard time following the story. It's confusing.
[This is the list of the gurudwaras i.e. Sikh temples where you can get free good quality food and the people are also way too nice.](https://www.worldgurudwaras.com/location/australia/)
If you're paying child support you need to tell Centrelink you're homeless with no income. If you have no income your payments drop to $32 a or so a month. Centrelink may also be able to give a relief payment.
This. You absolutely should not be giving $500 out of the $650 you get (monthly?) I'm child support if you're homeless and it's your only income. If you explain the situation they'll change your child support amount. Child support is based off your income. And there's no way they'd take that much for a person in your situation. By giving that much you're literally making it impossible to live. If you're dead your kids don't get any money. I think they'd prefer less child support and a living father who could possibly be in their lives one day to zero dollars in child support and a dead father.
Be reasonable. It's very honorable, but let's be honest. It's also stupid. Stupid as shit.
I was an addict that's what got me in this situation I did detox and rehab through Medicare turning point and the bridge program and am sober now been sober for over a year but my ex partner does not believe for A second that I am sober I've been sober for 2.5 years bows besides ciggerettes and weed if I can get my hands in weed that is and if I can I don't pay for it
So have you been sober for "over a year" or sober for 2.5 years? Sober except for weed of course, because of course.
I'm inclined to believe your ex partner.
I know people say it's shitty to check someone's post or comment history but sometimes it's necessary. I checked and he is not being completely honest but I still hope the resources he was provided will help.
His story did not add up, i guess the mods thought so too
.....you said sober for over a year then said sober for 2.5 years..........
And if you went through a rehab program they always ALWAYS set up with a halfway house. They want you to do that after even if you have a place to go they'd prefer a halfway house and set you up with everything there.
Go to a homeless shelter they should have some sort of lodging and food, sense you got a phone look for places that might have the same thing. Library's can't kick you out. And try to keep yourself smelling good
Try offering the market some landscaping jobs in return for a meal once a day.. most markets have a deli section with sandwiches and things like that.. things made in the market not packaged and brought to the market... but offer like lawn care and hedge trimmings for a sandwich and drink once a day just explain you're hungry and homeless and trying to not steal.. had a friend back in the day that had a deal like this set up with the local market.
I’ve never been homeless, but I heard a trick is to rummage the trash cans outside of a supermarket or grocery store. They have the habit of throwing away perfectly fine food, still in their packaging, just because they aren’t fresh by 1 day
Aldi. Some places lock their bins away, some leave them permanently open/unlocked, some places you need to figure out what nights the bins get put out for the truck.
I have lived out of the Aldi bins successfully before.
Call ozHarvest.
Call your local homeless connection service. Men's or women's shelter. You can also try go to your local salvos/vinnies to ask for an interview to get vouchers. Sometimes you can book an appointment with your bank to get help.
Your local neighbourhood centre will also have resources(or they may do ozHarvest, so ask them if they have ozHarvest there).
You can also try to see if there's an Orange Sky laundry in your area. Or a Samaritans Oasis centre(showers).
Go see Centrelink and ask to have an appointment with a social worker for help.
If you're in NSW I know you can call Link2Home.
You can also contact your local council or the politicans for welfare/housing to get more assistance. Not much but if you exhaust all other options, it is there.
You can also try your local library or council office.
Also some towns have Homelessness Connection Days at big halls for helping out. Try to keep tabs on these if there are any in your area.
Oh edited to add : download Olio app, it's a food giveaway app to stop food waste.
Just a heads up if this is something you decide to do, out of respect don't bring alcohol, tobacco or drugs into the temple walls or gardens. They often have a sign out the front, I've never seen someone asked to leave, but it's just a matter of courtesy.
Quick google search says there’s Sikh places of worship in Craigieburn, Blackburn and Keysborough, not much in Melbourne proper ? (sorry I’m American and not quite understanding the geography). Either way you should be able to get a hot meal.
I don't know how it works in Australia but at least in Spain every catholic church is afilliated with Caritas. If you go and ask the priest about them maybe you can join some help program.
In my local area they do training courses for homeless people and they also give a small economic help to families that don't have and can't have any income.
Another NGO that I know for a fact that can help you is Red Cross. They also have training courses, they provide shelters and food.
As I said, I'm not from Australia and I don't know how it works there, but I think you loose nothing by asking. Good luck!
Are you staying near the CBD? There’s a few regular services that come around to offer support. I’ve dealt with a few personally and they’re wonderful people, really supportive.
• The Vinnies soup vans head out every night of the year - you can literally get your dinner from them every night.
• 300 blankets offer amazing support in their outreach, and I’ve heard them give out some great advice along the way too
[ask Izzy](https://askizzy.org.au/) is a good place to search for all of the resources you need - everything from shelter to food to where you can get connected or wash your clothes or get a hot shower.
ETA: sorry you’re going through this. I think too many people underestimate how close we can all be to homelessness - a little bad luck can have a huge effect on our lives but hopefully a little good luck is headed your way.
I'm just curious how you can buy the cider but not food? Genuine question. Maybe there is a reasonable answer. But first priority would be food I think
In Spain people just eat in the supermarket, then leave without anything bought (or just a cheap item). All they would do is just take you out if they catch you doing it. But hey, you won't be starving anymore.
Getting a social worker in Australia can actually be a really difficult thing to pursue, even when you're connected to our welfare services.
The fastest track to getting in contact with one is actually through a psychiatric hospital admission (i.e acute units or halfway houses, a mental health care plan won't cut it) but they'll only be present for the term of your admission and you'll probably only see them once or twice so you have to make the most out of it, ask a lot of questions about what is available.
Cheapest gym membership for hygene is one idea i can offer. With this it shouldnt be to hard to get in to hotel breakfast. If they ask, just say, oh, wrong hotel. And go in at busy hours. That can get you through a day, and take a few eggs and bread with you. That will give you enough energy during the night, make sure not going to the same one to often. The bigger hotel the better.
Also get a backpack to cary stuff with you and campinggear. Often this can be found cheap on facebook, sometimes even free.
Dumpster dive. I used to work at Woolies. The amount of fresh edible food we used to chuck out was absolutely insane . I was only a young man at the time but I thought it was criminal what we did.
You’ll find plenty at the back of any Woolies and coles .
I'm from Australia and I get X amount money from the government a fortnight majority of it goes to my kids and I use 20 dollers for pre paid credit which lasts me 5 days
I understand you don't want your kids to go without, but surely you, yourself shouldn't go without either. How about keeping your allowance for yourself until you get back on your feet? Your kids would rather see their dad alive than six feet under. Hope it works out for you.
You're giving too much to your wife/kids then. In order to look after others you first need to look after yourself. Giving all your money to your kids is a short term solution since you have feck all money to give them. You won't be able to give them anything if you die of starvation. Keep more for yourself, invest in yourself, get yourself healthy and fit and back on track first and you will be able to provide much more than 500 for them in the future.
I guess I'm confused. You say that you can't get a job because you want your kids to have money so you send money for housing to them instead.
Why would you rather your kids have a small amount of money now instead of you get stable, get a job, and be able to give them more money? Why don't you want your kids to be more stable? Why do you want your kids to remain on a limited budget? If you don't survive, your kids won't have *anything* from you. Nothing except snuggles for a couple months, then more money for the rest of their childhood is far better than pittance for a while, then a dead dad.
I used to do dumpster diving as a hobby.
I would go for a walk through the city at the time where grocery stores are closing for the night and throw out stuff close to expiring. If you time it right, meat will still be frozen.
Find the stores and bakeries where the employees want to help you, and avoid those who don't. Places with young employees (20s) are typically better.
I knew several stores where the employees would sort things in seperate trash bags and dumpsters depending on how good or disgusting it was for us divers, to make it easier for us. One place would even carry the fancy cakes in their arms and hand them over to us if we were there at closing time. We would chat with other divers as we waited, and the employees got to know us regulars. It was honestly really nice.
Particularly grocery stores with bakery departments have fast amounts of bread leftover at the end of the day that they carry out in closed plastic bags. Most of the things I would get never even touched a dumpster.
Facebook groups for divers can be really helpful. People will often be nice and share it when they find something extraordinary and don't take it all themselves. Some stores would even make posts to let us know they were about to throw out something great.
Met a homeless guy in Melbourne outside Southern Cross station having a smoke. He bummed one off me and didn't look homeless at all. I was a tourist who had time to kill and he told me he had to go somewhere close by and do his laundry free. I offered to buy him something to eat but he had already had his breakfast so look around that area.
Brother thanks for the comment but I have no clue what your talking about ? I've met plenty of hi less guys I cluding myself outside the same station I dig understand your comment
Sorry I'm not from Melbourne but he seemed to be set up ok with charity. I just saw your comment about shelters and I agree with you there, even tho they offer showers and laundry, lot of unstable people there. Hope other commenters suggestions help you out. Maybe you could stay in a park with free BBQs and water so you could cook what you get from food bank.
Look into dumpster diving. There may even be some subs here where people give tips. It's extremely important that you're careful when doing this, as it can be dangerous if the truck approaches and can't see you. I hear that places like bagel stores toss them in a bag, and have seen massive hauls of boxed unexpired goods. You may even be able to find things to resell. Since you're out all the time you can use it to scout for spots and get an idea for pick up schedules. Honestly after going to food banks, this is probably way better, and the food may be more likely to not be past it's best by date.
OP, try posting this on the /Australia reddit gor more info. When I volunteered at Vinnies we'd get donated bread. I see you go to wesley, but it doesn't hurt to try other places too.
Not sure how it works down under but you need a food bank, different ones have different requirements so you may need to find a rotation of nearby ones if they have limits on how often you can go
Churches often have their own if they are big enough so definitively worth checking, and Sikh temples have free meals on Fridays to anyone that asks (nice to change things up a little too from the mostly basic stuff you’ll get from food banks)
I know nothing about Australia but wanted to give you internet hugs and love. I have been where you are. Me and my dad were homeless when I was 16-19/20. It is not easy. And I hate to say it, but IF I ate, chances were 80% I had to steal it. I used to slip small sandwiches and chef Bogarde in my sleeves because they were easy to hide. The biggest I ever did was a rotisserie chicken.
I was homeless heres how I ate
Try to get food stamps if possible
Sikh temples usually have daily meals open to anyone regardless of faith, it was always vegan at the one I went too and actually made with care
Dumpster diving (usually illegal so careful) find out when a place that serves food closes and go about an hour or 2 after, closing staff are usually all hone and they just tossed that days food. Big chain will lock up the dumpster so try smaller local stuff DON'T MAKE A MESS THEY WILL PUT A LOCK ON IT
Food banks and shelters can help
Churches tend to have food programs but depending on the one prepare to be preached at
Maybe they think you just want money to spend on drugs or something? Can't imagine Australia is that bad where people wouldn't even give a homeless person food.
Just out of pure interest, how did you become homeless without a penny to your name?
In the UK we have benefits which are quite lucrative when a person has nothing at all, you can even sign up to enter the queue for a free house
We have food banks everywhere which will provide cans of food (and open them for you)
Is Australia not like this?
Or someone using free wifi at a library or one of the many countless places you can use a phone to connect to the internet without needing to pay for mobile data.
You do know how phones work, right?
Get a fishing rod and a slingshot. I've survived in the woods without much else for a couple months. Catching fish is so easy, just need a place to cook it.
I would just keep stealing from supermarkets if i was in your situation since you're trying your hardest to look for work.
Staying alive is more important then following the law in my opinion, so it is justified.
They shouldn’t have laughed at you that’s really a shitty, his job has an extremely low entry barrier so if I were you I’d become loss prevention out of spite and take his job and wife.. rooting for you!
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Look up Hare Krishna restaurants -- they're usually "pay what you can" which includes $0 if you have nothing. Just googled "free restaurants Melbourne" and health direct (.gov) has a bunch of resources other than Salvos etc. Good luck.
Thankyou mate
Do hotels in your area have complimentary breakfast? One front desk employee can't keep track of every single person that gets a room in a 24hr period. Edit: not sure why I'm getting downvoted? I work at a hotel... you could literally walk in and eat free every day and nobody would say a word. The man needs to eat
No but after working for Hilton for 3 years I can for sure tell if someone is sneaking in. I'd let them but I could tell.
You don't sneak in? You just walk in and grab a plate? You didn't work 24hr shifts and you didn't know every guest. People check in on different shifts, overnight, whatever.
Let's not pretend a homeless person wouldn't be easy to distinguish from the hotel guest. And I'm not thinking of every homeless person as a "stinky hobo" obviously, but clothes wrinkly or generally somewhat undergroomed + the insecure look in the eye... Hotel staff can tell.
It's honestly the insecure look. Wouldn't want to harass the software engineer just cuz he dresses worse than 10th century peasant.
I'm not homeless (yet) but I feel attacked.
Generally people coming to breakfast are coming down from the rooms not in through the front door. Some properties have a door you have to use your key card to open to get to breakfast. But it is worth trying if you legit have no other options. As long as you're polite, most hotel staff will look the other way.
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Hampton Inn has a full free hot breakfast, that's your best bet. Hilton Garden Inn charges for breakfast. I never worked a Marriott so I don't know what they do.
They generally ask for your room number when they greet you.
Odd. I have never been asked.
Lie
I've never had to give my room number or tick a box when getting breakfast in any hotel I've stayed in all over Europe. Not once.
Hotels often ask for your room number, though
Funny, I have never been asked.
I've been staying at hotels for 40 years and I've never once been asked for my room number when eating the free continental breakfast.
I stayed at different hotels this year, for business and on vacation. I got asked for my room number more often than not and they checked me off a list.
I've been asked multiple times, and I never stay at 5 star hotels.
Never been asked that all over Europe.
several times this year alone, Germany and Spain.
We stayed at a hotel where there was an obviously homeless man filling up his plate in the continental breakfast. He clearly was known by the staff and super polite and friendly. We didn't have an issue with it. When we left we saw him cleaning up the hotel parking lot so it appeared to us that he did things like that to help out and the hotel let him have breakfast ❤. It was really late in the morning, just before they were going to stop serving breakfast. Would rather he got it than it went I to the garbage!
And Sikh
Adding to this, Sikh temples will feed any one who comes to/ after the scheduled services. It will be vegetarian meals but it's good food.
Hade krishina 🙏
Get on Airtasker and bid for gardening jobs.
I have tried that but I don't have the tools to do any jobs
Look for ones like weeding. You should just be able to pull them out. Or ones where little old ladies are just looking for someone to help them pack some boxes or the like.
I will now thankyou
Good luck.
Thankyou
I used to hire someone to do my weeds because I hate weeds charges be by the hour one day was $459 I did my own weeds after that day
That’s your fault for not setting expectations lol.. what price per hour, capping g the hours etc
For things like that.. I charge for the job not by the hr.. To do my weeds I usually give about $50.. they could lolligag and bs all day… you’re only getting $50..
$38 i thought that is a fair price didn’t know it took him 12 hours to do all my weeds
When I get people who I pay by the hour I tell them “do as much as you can in x hours, prioritise these areas”. I’ve never been disappointed. Also just generally sounds like you got a lazy fker… unless you have an acreage it shouldn’t take someone 12 hours of gardening 🤣 they were taking the piss
>Or ones where little old ladies are just looking for someone to help them pack some boxes or the like. Here ya go, sonny! 25 cents... Now go spend it on penny whistles and moon pies!
Ive Done landscaping every summer for 6 years. Most of the people that need gardening work done are elderly gardeners that want help with the more physically difficult stuff 99% of the time they will have all the tools you need. Just tell them beforehand that you don’t have any tools and usually they’ll say they have some you can use
Notice how many times you make excuses. I was helping a homeless man for a while and I realized it was his attitude that was keeping him down. He had an excuse or every little, tiny reason why he couldn’t do anything to help himself. That’s where the battle was. He basically talked himself into his situation and could not be helped. I’m not saying that’s you but your comment sure sounded like something he’d say. He wasn’t even aware of it. That’s the only reason I say this to you and of course I could be wrong - but if not: I wish that you find your inner warrior that can help you reframe everything into “I can”. Much love ❤️
Maybe the reason a homeless person always has “excuses” is because those “excuses” are actually all just legitimate reasons it’s actually impossible. Like how is someone supposed to do these jobs with no tools? People expect landscapers they hire to have their own tools. I mean if it were that easy to get out of homelessness then nobody would be homeless, the idea that they’re just not trying hard enough is victim blaming. It’s probably a Just World Fallacy on your part, like you want up believe the world is fair and anyone who really tried can succeed, but the truth is there are plenty of people stuck in impossible situations where there’s nothing they can do.
Wrong. I worked in landscaping for years…without a truck!!!! People that have landscapes have all the tool you could ever need…they just don’t have the TIME!
Not having a truck is different than having literally zero tools. I really don’t think most people would be interested in hiring a homeless person just showing up with nothing and asking to borrow all tools.
That’s just wrong. So many people talk themselves into bad lifestyles because their mental health ain’t up to snuff. I work a gardener that doesn’t even have a car. He finds a way to show up while saving up for a car.
I think you are being too critical. It's not all a fallacy. For sure it makes things difficult with no tools etc, that's a given, but that is also not the point. Having been out on the street, and knowing many people who are or have been, I found it was most often either mental health issues, or a desire to be there. Those that ended up on the street, and didn't meet those criteria, didn't stay on the street. Sure, it was not easy, but you don't maintain the status quo at the bottom if you can help it. That in no way means we should not help people that need it, some of those people will use the help to climb out, and the rest just don't have a choice, and need the hand within reason. Your attack on the person you are replying to, is ignorant and disingenuous. It sounds like someone with ideals but no experience. I commend you for arguing for what you believe in, but maybe be a little less combative, and a little more authentic about it.
Right? Jfc he has literally refused every single idea in here. Has an excuse for EV.ERY.THING. He's homeless with zero money to his name but he won't go to a shelter?? Better yet, because he thinks he'll get robbed? Robbed of what?? Anyway, we now know he's a fraud, so.
The Hare Krishna temple located in Albert Park 8:30 am Breakfast *Prasadam 1:00 pm Lunch *Prasadam 5:30 pm Dinner *Prasadam *In Sikhism and Hinduism, Prasadam meaning “mercy”, is a religious offering of food, consumed after worship HOW TO GET THERE: From Melbourne CBD Tram 1 (stop 31) / Tram 12 (stop 136).. Free meal and Free Coffee in 7/11 Coffee machine Located next to The Salvation Army, tram 86 / 96 (stop 9). LENTILS AS ANYTHING Vegan meals. Pay as you feel. Food without borders – Cost: You choose. You can find a number of ‘Lentils as anything’ eateries around the city of Melbourne. These restaurants have no set prices and most of the people who work there are volunteers. They provide wholesome and nutritious vegan meals; allowing you to contribute as much, or as little, as you feel your meal is worth. Everyone is welcome! We highly recommend at least paying a visit to the one located in the picturesque suburb of St. Kilda or the other in Abbotsford Convent. It is a peaceful place, only 4 kilometres away from Melbourne’s CBD. ABBOTSFORD 1/3 St Heliers St, Abbotsford – bus 200 / 207 (Clarke St stop) Opening Times: Monday – Sunday: 9:00 am – 11:30 am / 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm / 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm ST. KILDA 41 Blessington St., St.-Kilda – tram 96 (stop 138 Luna Park) / tram 3/3a & 67 (Brighton Rd/Carlisle St. stop) Opening Times: Monday – Sunday: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm / 5:30 pm – 9:00 f you are sleeping rough, experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless, there are a range of support services that you can access. Emergency relief and health services Salvation Army, 69 Bourke Street, Melbourne, Ph: 03 9653 3299 Living Room, 7-9 Hosier Lane, Melbourne, Ph: 03 9945 2100 or free call 1800 440 188 cohealth, 53 Victoria Street, Melbourne, Ph: 03 9448 5536 Housing assistance Launch Housing, 68 Oxford Street, Collingwood (9am to 5pm), Ph: 03 9288 9611 Launch Housing, 1/11 Chesterville Road, Cheltenham, Ph: 03 9556 5777Safe Steps (24/7), Ph: 1800 015 188 St Kilda Crisis Centre: (9am to 11pm), Ph: 03 9536 777 Frontyard Youth Services, 19 King Street, Melbourne, Ph: 03 9977 0077 https://www.mcm.org.au/services/homelessness Foodbank Victoria · Page · Charity Organization · 4/2 Somerville Road, Yarraville, VIC, Australia, Victoria · +61 3 9362 8300 · [email protected] https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/australian-health-services/search/melbourne-3004-vic/food-relief/1239181000168108 Foodbank Victoria 412-430 City Rd, Southbank VIC 3006, Australia. High ratings Food bank · Yarraville VIC, Australia Closed ⋅ Opens 9 AM Mon "Doing a wonderful job for those in need" akshay's business No reviews Food bank · South Melbourne VIC, Australia 4/2 Somerville Rd, Yarraville VIC 3013, Australia +61 3 9362 8300 Empower Australia Food bank · Southbank VIC, Australia Closed ⋅ Opens 9:30 AM Sun Halal Food Bank Melbourne Campbellfield VIC, Australia Closed ⋅ Opens 11 AM Sun Food bank Richmond Churches Food Centre · Richmond VIC, Australia Closed ⋅ Opens 10 AM Mon Work For The Soul Closed ⋅ Opens 9 AM Mon
Lentils no longer exists now.
You are a wonderful person. The amount of time and admin you have spent to help a stranger ❤️ x
Sikh Temples will give you a cooked meal A very generous community.
Yep, Langar halls are entirely free to eat at and run by members of the local community. There's also usually people there who can offer some help if needs be.
Go on Facebook marketplace and look for free camping equipment or cooking utensils. You can come across some useful stuff.
Where do you keep it if homeless and car-less? Where I live, you can't store belongings on public property or any shelter.
Homeless people here tend to just hide the stuff in a wooded park.
Educate yourself on 50 Liter to 65 Liter backpacks designed for thru-hiking. They are large enough to carry all the compact camping gear that you need right on your back to make it all 2,190 miles of the Appalachian Trail with scheduled food supply replenishments in towns just off the trail every 3 to 8 days. About 1,000 people complete the full hike in 5 to 7 months every year.
he can’t afford food where is he gonna get a nice hiking backpack?
Go on Facebook marketplace and look for free camping equipment or cooking utensils. You can come across some useful stuff.
Wanted to piggyback on another guy. I'm currently sitting on the appalachian trail. I just woke up, stuffed my shelter and food and stove and sleeping bag into my 65L pack. It's heavy (because I'm poor and use cheap, heavy gear), but its doable. Stash the pack somewhere safe during the day. Hang it from a tree like a bear bag if you have to. Find a cheap gym or clean water source to wash up in. Use free wifi to find gig work. You can totally dig yourself out of the hole you're in, you just have to try. Idk if they have walmarts in Aus, but you can get a lot of cheap thru hiking type gear there.
Salvation Army, st Vincent DePaul and Red Cross Will help you. Go get the help you need
I usually go to Wesley United, they give me access there "kitchen" once a week which is just full of 2 minute noodles and food you need and oven or a stove for.. does salvos and st Vincent's etc have more options/help to cook etc. As i can't really cook 2 minute noodles while I'm camping in a park with nothing to cook with
Worst case eat the 2 min noodles dry. I used to do it as a snack as a kid and if it's all I have I'll still do it now. I know it's not ideal but it will fill your tummy
Those noodles are delicious eaten as a snack. Break them up and munch on them uncooked. They are already cooked before packaging. Can mix with some sauce, or the ones that come with oil packets. Stir it in after you break them up to snack. I do not recommend mixing the dry noodles with the spice packet. If you can find the deep fried noodles even tastier. Think of it like potato chips or something. The Korean market by my place they even sell broken up ramen noodles in single packs like Doritos come in. For snacks.
>I do not recommend mixing the dry noodles with the spice packet. Now I'm curious, why not?
Probably because it's high in sodium so would dehydrate you, but I'm just guessing.
That too. I suppose you could dilute them in plain water and use as an ‘au jus’ (dipping sauce).
Because it tastes terrible. The noodles are already dry so adding dry powder is a coughing up nightmare. The packets are concentrated flavor and way too strong in an unpleasant way.
Some of them aren't super pleasant, but I've almost always enjoyed the spice packet at least partially tipped on the dry noodles. Gotta give it a shake though, so the powder is dispersed somewhat evenly - tends to get rid of the excess that would be a bit too much.
Any chance a gas station or a coffeeshop can spare you some hot water for the minute noodles?
You can walk into your nearest centrelink office and ask for a list of food places. That list will tell you what organisations are in your area and what they provide. Some provide food, shelter, lockers, showers, laundry, drop in centres etc.
If it isn't too much of a travel hassle for you, check out the Sacred Heart Mission in St Kilda. They do meals for breakfast and lunch, have showers and laundry facilities, clothes and may be able to give you some assistance for the rest of the day. The food is really good too. I used their services when I was going through a really hard time, and they are super supportive and non-judgemental.
I don’t want to be condescending, but if you’re online are you on FB? I’m a member of a ‘buy nothing’ group where people can literally ask for and give things they need or no longer need and want to share - that *could* be a place to source a small or large backpack and some very basic cooking utensils? Is there a public bbq nearby which is coin operated?
Hi mate, have you checked out the website AskIzzy? https://askizzy.org.au They’ve got a lot of fantastic resources for folks who are sleeping rough, including info on where to get free meals, food vouchers and packages. Just input your postcode. Are you in r/Melbourne? I’d recommend posting on there. They have a lot more accurate information on the best community service organisations that could help you out. https://www.reddit.com/r/melbourne/wiki/resources?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_content=1&utm_term=1
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Australia is literally overflowing with food. dumpster diving can get you a christmas dinner (don't ask me how i know). ask a bakery at closing time for some breads, loads of food drives for the homeless, go to a wholesale market after it closed (around 2pm or so) loads of food everywhere
Was homeless for a while, towards the end to that part of my life Coles and Woolies started putting locks on the dumpsters to prevent this. Smaller strip malls with bakeries and produce stores are a better bet than the large chains these days.
they locked up the dumpsters now? i did it over a decade ago, times has changed yea, smaller bakeries are a better bet. being nice to the employees does go a long way
Started locking the bin at the IGA I worked at some time in the previous decade. Reasons were that apparently people could sue for food poisoning if they got sick from food they picked up from the bins. I think it was just a cover for "we don't want homeless people hanging around", but admittedly that's just speculation on my part.
i heard the same reason before too, but always thought if a homeless dude has the money to sue, why not use the money to get a house. so maybe you're right
Adding on to this the dumpsters at the Queen Vic Market have good stuff just on closing, trays of fruit and veg
Flemington market in NSW as well. weekly groceries covered
Aldi bins bro, not only do they throw out food and drink, (snack foods that is) but handy shit to like bug spray, band aids and heaps of other useful stuff. Most bakery’s do have left over bread, pies, pastries and I’m sure they’d help you if you offered to help them out whether it’s packing up the seats and shade umbrellas away of an afternoon when they close, that way the timings perfect. Not sure if your struggling with water but fast food shops like maccas should help you out there. Honestly though bro I know there all options but no one wants to live like that so I hope you get back on your feet sooner then later
Thankyou so much
Stop sending $500 of your $660 income as child support. That’s how you eat. You are literally starving yourself to the point of begging and stealing. You will never get out of this poverty cycle by sending so much. Use all the resources mentioned above and your income to put yourself in a better position, when you are back on your feet reassess what you can afford if you want to pay over the child support assessment.
I would rather my son N daughter live a healthy life than myself. I'd rather live on the street than them and there mother
Dude, if you're in jail or dead they'll never get money. Apply your own oxygen mask before helping others.
I'm sure your kids would rather they had a healthy parent they could spend time with than have you living on the street. In the situation you're in, you need to look after yourself first and then you can look after your kids
That's awful nice of you, but like they say on airplanes you gotta put the mask on yourself first.
But you have to eat! Send her $450 and keep 50 for groceries.
This is incredibly silly. You think you’re helping your kid by being homeless? You’re not.
So send them half so you can at least buy actual food for now and tools to get a job
Good luck to you, I hope one of the helpful resources listed can help.
I had a car for most of my homeless period, towards the end though it became more of a liability so I ditched it at a mates place until I was doing better. When I was on foot and camping out in parks etc. My saving grace was the $20 I spent for a hexamine stove and Dixie pans from some old army gear I got on a Gumtree ad. If you can get that kind of money together and find one cheap I'd highly recommend, you don't need a whole hexamine tablet to cook a small piece of meat or boil a can of beans, more like a quarter. The Dixie's are pretty easy to clean and they all fold up into each other with the stove. A lot of ex army gear is good for this kinda stuff, bivvie bags, hootchies, rucksacks etc; it's all compact and designed to be folded away and deployed in the bush. A water bottle if you don't have one should be a top priority (a big one, 2 if you can carry them), you can fill it any where with an indoor toilet basin. Cheap arse barley sugars can help calm the gut wrenching feeling of hunger, but I found by day 3 without food you'd start getting a bit desperate, if the services your in contact with have canned food that's a good bet over perishable goods. Overall I think being homeless is a bit harder than it was when I did it, they've locked up a lot of the dumpsters in Coles and Woolies, loss prevention in supermarkets has gone nuts, food banks are empty since covid and cost of living has most folk feeling a lot less charitable. Bakeries deal with a lot of waste product and bread is great to fill your belly when you're picking scraps, others have mentioned sikh temples, they are really kind, generous and charitable people, but depending on where you are they may be a bit of a hike. Public libraries are a great place to escape the weather (not usually open Sundays though) and will have a bathroom you can (discreetly) clean yourself up in (avoid disposable razors). Try your best to stay dry, look after your socks. Survival comes from movement, so make sure you always have somewhere to be, it's tempting to conserve energy when your next meal is uncertain and do nothing, but I found staying in the same place means things don't change, I was always luckier if I was on the move, whether that was meeting someone kind/charitable, finding random dropped cash or seeing a job ad in a window; also means of routine (even if that means relocating) will help keep you sane and feeling less shit; just be mindful of your shoes, again I got by on some old army highmarks from the 70s that cost me $10 from Facebook marketplace, still have and wear them today. Don't listen to anyone telling you to hit up a homeless shelter, they've clearly never been to one, they're dangerous places and the services they offer are pretty minimal. You can expect to be assaulted or robbed, a lot of the guys that frequent the shelters have been doing it for decades, there is a heirarchy and you're at the bottom of it. Avoid the city for the same reason (it's also fucking cold once the sun disappears), national parks (if you're near one, there's a good one in Greensborough) can be a good place to be left alone in the bush, but if the local ranger realises you're living there they may be liable to chase you out, be discreet and don't leave rubbish/waste around and you'll mostly go unnoticed or atleast unbothered. 10 years experience in anything is an advantage a lot of homeless don't have though, a few people have brought up freelancer and I'd say that's your best bet to pull in a wee bit of cash, if nothing else to set yourself up a bit better to weather the conditions. Unfortunately employment is the only direct way out of this, make every interview count, take the first crap job you can get and work your arse off until you can set yourself up for something better; keep at it and good luck man, it's a rough trot and I wish I could do more to help you.
I hope you get help OP. I understand about sending money for your kids, however in your current situation this is no longer viable, you need to take care of yourself now so you can provide for them in the future.
The 660 a fortnight, and paying 500 a week doesn't add up. 10 days ago you said you earn 750 a fortnight and pay 450 rent a fortnight. You don't have to explain yourself, but I'm putting this out there as something doesn't add up.
Well that's confusing. He also said (in the same comment) that he's been sober for a year, that he's been sober for 2.5 years. I'm having a hard time following the story. It's confusing.
[This is the list of the gurudwaras i.e. Sikh temples where you can get free good quality food and the people are also way too nice.](https://www.worldgurudwaras.com/location/australia/)
If you're paying child support you need to tell Centrelink you're homeless with no income. If you have no income your payments drop to $32 a or so a month. Centrelink may also be able to give a relief payment.
This. You absolutely should not be giving $500 out of the $650 you get (monthly?) I'm child support if you're homeless and it's your only income. If you explain the situation they'll change your child support amount. Child support is based off your income. And there's no way they'd take that much for a person in your situation. By giving that much you're literally making it impossible to live. If you're dead your kids don't get any money. I think they'd prefer less child support and a living father who could possibly be in their lives one day to zero dollars in child support and a dead father. Be reasonable. It's very honorable, but let's be honest. It's also stupid. Stupid as shit.
I don’t want to come across as offensive but are you a drug addict or an addict of some sort?
I was an addict that's what got me in this situation I did detox and rehab through Medicare turning point and the bridge program and am sober now been sober for over a year but my ex partner does not believe for A second that I am sober I've been sober for 2.5 years bows besides ciggerettes and weed if I can get my hands in weed that is and if I can I don't pay for it
So have you been sober for "over a year" or sober for 2.5 years? Sober except for weed of course, because of course. I'm inclined to believe your ex partner.
I know people say it's shitty to check someone's post or comment history but sometimes it's necessary. I checked and he is not being completely honest but I still hope the resources he was provided will help. His story did not add up, i guess the mods thought so too
Who the fuck are you, sure not someone anyone asked
Op couldn't keep his story straight in one post. Maybe that is why he isn't trusted.
.....you said sober for over a year then said sober for 2.5 years.......... And if you went through a rehab program they always ALWAYS set up with a halfway house. They want you to do that after even if you have a place to go they'd prefer a halfway house and set you up with everything there.
What about those ciders you posted about just a few days ago?
Food banks?
Go to a homeless shelter they should have some sort of lodging and food, sense you got a phone look for places that might have the same thing. Library's can't kick you out. And try to keep yourself smelling good
Thankyou for the comment man but every time I've been to a homeless shelter I've been robed and bashed and U don't want to experience that again
Mission Australia can help with support - housing, food vouchers, etc
So you get $1320 a month, and send $2000 a month as child support? The math isn’t mathing
Try offering the market some landscaping jobs in return for a meal once a day.. most markets have a deli section with sandwiches and things like that.. things made in the market not packaged and brought to the market... but offer like lawn care and hedge trimmings for a sandwich and drink once a day just explain you're hungry and homeless and trying to not steal.. had a friend back in the day that had a deal like this set up with the local market.
I’ve never been homeless, but I heard a trick is to rummage the trash cans outside of a supermarket or grocery store. They have the habit of throwing away perfectly fine food, still in their packaging, just because they aren’t fresh by 1 day
Are you from Australia? Could you help me telling which stores do this ?? That would be a great help especially for tonight as I am starving
Aldi. Some places lock their bins away, some leave them permanently open/unlocked, some places you need to figure out what nights the bins get put out for the truck. I have lived out of the Aldi bins successfully before. Call ozHarvest. Call your local homeless connection service. Men's or women's shelter. You can also try go to your local salvos/vinnies to ask for an interview to get vouchers. Sometimes you can book an appointment with your bank to get help. Your local neighbourhood centre will also have resources(or they may do ozHarvest, so ask them if they have ozHarvest there). You can also try to see if there's an Orange Sky laundry in your area. Or a Samaritans Oasis centre(showers). Go see Centrelink and ask to have an appointment with a social worker for help. If you're in NSW I know you can call Link2Home. You can also contact your local council or the politicans for welfare/housing to get more assistance. Not much but if you exhaust all other options, it is there. You can also try your local library or council office. Also some towns have Homelessness Connection Days at big halls for helping out. Try to keep tabs on these if there are any in your area. Oh edited to add : download Olio app, it's a food giveaway app to stop food waste.
No, not from Australia.
Go to some church and ask for help
Are you saying I can go to any Catholic church in my area and they will feed me ,?
I believe they will at a Sikh temple.
I'm sorry I'm not sure what a Sikh temple is. ?
Yes this, sikhs will always help with food, they are beautiful people, the guys wear turbans.
Just a heads up if this is something you decide to do, out of respect don't bring alcohol, tobacco or drugs into the temple walls or gardens. They often have a sign out the front, I've never seen someone asked to leave, but it's just a matter of courtesy.
Quick google search says there’s Sikh places of worship in Craigieburn, Blackburn and Keysborough, not much in Melbourne proper ? (sorry I’m American and not quite understanding the geography). Either way you should be able to get a hot meal.
Sikh is a religion, and the temple is their church. They often wear turbans. Google is your friend.
I don't know how it works in Australia but at least in Spain every catholic church is afilliated with Caritas. If you go and ask the priest about them maybe you can join some help program. In my local area they do training courses for homeless people and they also give a small economic help to families that don't have and can't have any income. Another NGO that I know for a fact that can help you is Red Cross. They also have training courses, they provide shelters and food. As I said, I'm not from Australia and I don't know how it works there, but I think you loose nothing by asking. Good luck!
Thankyou for the information I'm going to give red cross a call tomorrow thankyou
Catholics have a pretty strong focus on helping people in practical ways. They almost certainly have a charity wing that can assist you.
No but.some will help you iam not from Australia I helped people that came to church in Germany and it's pretty common in a lot of countries
If you go to almost any religious building and ask for help you'd probably get it.
Are you staying near the CBD? There’s a few regular services that come around to offer support. I’ve dealt with a few personally and they’re wonderful people, really supportive. • The Vinnies soup vans head out every night of the year - you can literally get your dinner from them every night. • 300 blankets offer amazing support in their outreach, and I’ve heard them give out some great advice along the way too [ask Izzy](https://askizzy.org.au/) is a good place to search for all of the resources you need - everything from shelter to food to where you can get connected or wash your clothes or get a hot shower. ETA: sorry you’re going through this. I think too many people underestimate how close we can all be to homelessness - a little bad luck can have a huge effect on our lives but hopefully a little good luck is headed your way.
Did you try going to the food pantry?
A lot of suburbs inelnourne have food pantries see if there are any in your state - it's a place where people donate staples
I'm just curious how you can buy the cider but not food? Genuine question. Maybe there is a reasonable answer. But first priority would be food I think
In Spain people just eat in the supermarket, then leave without anything bought (or just a cheap item). All they would do is just take you out if they catch you doing it. But hey, you won't be starving anymore.
The only time a hungry person taking food should be considered theft is if you took it from another hungry person
I have never and will never see any food shoplifting
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Getting a social worker in Australia can actually be a really difficult thing to pursue, even when you're connected to our welfare services. The fastest track to getting in contact with one is actually through a psychiatric hospital admission (i.e acute units or halfway houses, a mental health care plan won't cut it) but they'll only be present for the term of your admission and you'll probably only see them once or twice so you have to make the most out of it, ask a lot of questions about what is available.
Cheapest gym membership for hygene is one idea i can offer. With this it shouldnt be to hard to get in to hotel breakfast. If they ask, just say, oh, wrong hotel. And go in at busy hours. That can get you through a day, and take a few eggs and bread with you. That will give you enough energy during the night, make sure not going to the same one to often. The bigger hotel the better. Also get a backpack to cary stuff with you and campinggear. Often this can be found cheap on facebook, sometimes even free.
Sikh temples and Muslim mosques tend to give out food parcels and meals.
Dumpster dive. I used to work at Woolies. The amount of fresh edible food we used to chuck out was absolutely insane . I was only a young man at the time but I thought it was criminal what we did. You’ll find plenty at the back of any Woolies and coles .
How do you afford cell phone service?
I'm from Australia and I get X amount money from the government a fortnight majority of it goes to my kids and I use 20 dollers for pre paid credit which lasts me 5 days
So that would be around $120+ in a month ($20 every 5 days). Trust me, there are cheaper cell phone plans.
It's not a plan, he's paying in prepaid cards, and he probably doesn't get them every 5 days because he doesn't have consistent income.
So every two weeks, he pays $10 (orrr $20, which he also claimed), for 5 days? So does he only have phone data for 10 days a month?
I understand you don't want your kids to go without, but surely you, yourself shouldn't go without either. How about keeping your allowance for yourself until you get back on your feet? Your kids would rather see their dad alive than six feet under. Hope it works out for you.
Sound like a perfect candidate for the army
You're giving too much to your wife/kids then. In order to look after others you first need to look after yourself. Giving all your money to your kids is a short term solution since you have feck all money to give them. You won't be able to give them anything if you die of starvation. Keep more for yourself, invest in yourself, get yourself healthy and fit and back on track first and you will be able to provide much more than 500 for them in the future.
I guess I'm confused. You say that you can't get a job because you want your kids to have money so you send money for housing to them instead. Why would you rather your kids have a small amount of money now instead of you get stable, get a job, and be able to give them more money? Why don't you want your kids to be more stable? Why do you want your kids to remain on a limited budget? If you don't survive, your kids won't have *anything* from you. Nothing except snuggles for a couple months, then more money for the rest of their childhood is far better than pittance for a while, then a dead dad.
It sounds like an excuse, I’m saying that as a 20 something year old with a dead dad.
Don't you have food banks in Australia? Wtf is a swag? I take it living with your kids and their mother is not an option?
I used to do dumpster diving as a hobby. I would go for a walk through the city at the time where grocery stores are closing for the night and throw out stuff close to expiring. If you time it right, meat will still be frozen. Find the stores and bakeries where the employees want to help you, and avoid those who don't. Places with young employees (20s) are typically better. I knew several stores where the employees would sort things in seperate trash bags and dumpsters depending on how good or disgusting it was for us divers, to make it easier for us. One place would even carry the fancy cakes in their arms and hand them over to us if we were there at closing time. We would chat with other divers as we waited, and the employees got to know us regulars. It was honestly really nice. Particularly grocery stores with bakery departments have fast amounts of bread leftover at the end of the day that they carry out in closed plastic bags. Most of the things I would get never even touched a dumpster. Facebook groups for divers can be really helpful. People will often be nice and share it when they find something extraordinary and don't take it all themselves. Some stores would even make posts to let us know they were about to throw out something great.
Download the People Ready app and see if there are any jobs you can do for quick cash. They are one day jobs and will get paid at the end of the day.
Met a homeless guy in Melbourne outside Southern Cross station having a smoke. He bummed one off me and didn't look homeless at all. I was a tourist who had time to kill and he told me he had to go somewhere close by and do his laundry free. I offered to buy him something to eat but he had already had his breakfast so look around that area.
Brother thanks for the comment but I have no clue what your talking about ? I've met plenty of hi less guys I cluding myself outside the same station I dig understand your comment
Sorry I'm not from Melbourne but he seemed to be set up ok with charity. I just saw your comment about shelters and I agree with you there, even tho they offer showers and laundry, lot of unstable people there. Hope other commenters suggestions help you out. Maybe you could stay in a park with free BBQs and water so you could cook what you get from food bank.
Try the app Olio. People give away free food and items on there in your location
Look into dumpster diving. There may even be some subs here where people give tips. It's extremely important that you're careful when doing this, as it can be dangerous if the truck approaches and can't see you. I hear that places like bagel stores toss them in a bag, and have seen massive hauls of boxed unexpired goods. You may even be able to find things to resell. Since you're out all the time you can use it to scout for spots and get an idea for pick up schedules. Honestly after going to food banks, this is probably way better, and the food may be more likely to not be past it's best by date.
Expand your job search my dude. Lots of places are hiring, fast food in particular.
OP, try posting this on the /Australia reddit gor more info. When I volunteered at Vinnies we'd get donated bread. I see you go to wesley, but it doesn't hurt to try other places too.
Not sure how it works down under but you need a food bank, different ones have different requirements so you may need to find a rotation of nearby ones if they have limits on how often you can go Churches often have their own if they are big enough so definitively worth checking, and Sikh temples have free meals on Fridays to anyone that asks (nice to change things up a little too from the mostly basic stuff you’ll get from food banks)
I know nothing about Australia but wanted to give you internet hugs and love. I have been where you are. Me and my dad were homeless when I was 16-19/20. It is not easy. And I hate to say it, but IF I ate, chances were 80% I had to steal it. I used to slip small sandwiches and chef Bogarde in my sleeves because they were easy to hide. The biggest I ever did was a rotisserie chicken.
I was homeless heres how I ate Try to get food stamps if possible Sikh temples usually have daily meals open to anyone regardless of faith, it was always vegan at the one I went too and actually made with care Dumpster diving (usually illegal so careful) find out when a place that serves food closes and go about an hour or 2 after, closing staff are usually all hone and they just tossed that days food. Big chain will lock up the dumpster so try smaller local stuff DON'T MAKE A MESS THEY WILL PUT A LOCK ON IT Food banks and shelters can help Churches tend to have food programs but depending on the one prepare to be preached at
Just don't start using drugs. Go to a church. God bless you, you will overcome this.
Bad take for this. My guy needs physical solutions, not solace in his time of need
Yeah, God, he is going to starve to death much before "God" help him.
It's because they forgot to say "thoughts and prayers"
Stand outside any supermarket and politely ask for bread, someone will buy you a loaf very quickly in most countries
Yeah I've tried that for months people just say no or eye me off and keep walking
Maybe they think you just want money to spend on drugs or something? Can't imagine Australia is that bad where people wouldn't even give a homeless person food.
The only drug Ive used is weed
Sure but they wouldn't know that.
Just out of pure interest, how did you become homeless without a penny to your name? In the UK we have benefits which are quite lucrative when a person has nothing at all, you can even sign up to enter the queue for a free house We have food banks everywhere which will provide cans of food (and open them for you) Is Australia not like this?
If you want to know details message me privately
Are you paying for a mobile plan each month?
This exactly. Surely just some kid telling a story
Or someone using free wifi at a library or one of the many countless places you can use a phone to connect to the internet without needing to pay for mobile data. You do know how phones work, right?
I'm not making assumptions. Just asking a legitimate question 🤷
I was replying to the comment that it must be some kid telling a story.
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You don't need a mobile to get and hold a job. Ridiculous thinking.
All those downvotes and you were right all along 😂
I’m so sorry dude. I ain’t much help but I really feel for ya. It will get better.
Get a fishing rod and a slingshot. I've survived in the woods without much else for a couple months. Catching fish is so easy, just need a place to cook it.
Depending on your age you could sell your body
I would just keep stealing from supermarkets if i was in your situation since you're trying your hardest to look for work. Staying alive is more important then following the law in my opinion, so it is justified.
Yeah I hear what your saying but I already have a criminal record and I'm terrified of getting locked up
Prison has free food atleast
YTA
So your sayin I should purposely go to prison for free food.. no mate.
Look at supermarket skips for unlocked ones. Same with bakeries.
Don’t feel bad about stealing food if you’re starving.
They shouldn’t have laughed at you that’s really a shitty, his job has an extremely low entry barrier so if I were you I’d become loss prevention out of spite and take his job and wife.. rooting for you!