‘Broken system’ has no shelter for homeless

The woman who feeds Nelson’s homeless says the availability of illicit drugs is putting more people on the streets because of their behaviour.

Jackie Galland is known as Street Mama, Aunty and the Boss to the homeless she feeds in tent camps or on the street, with many kicked out of emergency housing and no night shelter to sleep.

Since the Government toughened the rules on emergency housing, she says there are more people living on the streets. More are sleeping in cars, staying overnight in carparks like at Isel Park and more are evident in Richmond.

Homeless have recently sought shelter under the Berryfield Drive Bridge and the bus shelter outside the Tasman District Council building.

Jackie is scathing about government departments that are funded to help people who do not have a place to sleep each night, but in her opinion leave many out in the cold.

“The system is so broken. For a couple of years, we haven’t had a shelter. There’s nothing open overnight because they don’t want to deal with them overnight.”

She says the increase in methamphetamine recently is making the situation worse for those on the streets and those who ultimately end up on the street because of their addiction and the person they become.

“There’s so much crack in this town and they’re getting kicked out because of it.”

She has put nine into tents in a camp where they “might fight like bitches, but stand up for each other”, while another 20 or so are on the streets. Most of them have a history that makes them ineligible for Ministry of Social Development accommodation and most of their addictions and behaviour stems from trauma.

“These people are traumatised and no-one addresses the trauma in them. Mental health has a huge part to play.

“Everyone thinks they’re too far gone, but they’re not. They’re intelligent and some have amazing trades skills. We’ve got qualified chefs, builders, managers and fishermen. They’re still people under all these addictions and trauma.”

As much as some of the public want to help them, she says they can be dangerous because of the drugs and background of trauma, so advises people to stay away and not give them money because that will be used to buy more drugs. Most get money from the Government – or can – and she knows of some that have received up to $1,500 a week from the public on the street. So, money isn’t the issue.

“Stay away from them. Don’t give them money. If they’re hungry, buy them some food.

“I know most of these guys are dangerous, but everyone has a good point in them. You have to get to know them before you can do anything for them. And you can’t help them all. Some of them are quite happy out there.”

She’s part of a Giving Aroha team that feed homeless people on Sunday nights in Nelson – Anzac Park in summer – and delivers meals from the boot of her car through the week to those living in tent camps or on the street. They make up food parcels as well for anyone who needs it.

Finding the money to buy tents and meat for meals is always a challenge. She says they got their first community grant a few months ago and there’s “a dozen lovely people” donating into the Giving Aroha account each week.