Funds for phones helping Mornington rough sleepers connect

Around 20 older people sleeping rough on the Mornington Peninsula will have access to family, friends and services through new mobile phones following funding from the Harcourts Foundation.

The funding has been announced during Homelessness Week, which runs from 4-10 August.

The $2000 grant will fund phones and ongoing mobile phone support for local clients identified by Bolton Clarke’s Homeless Persons Program. The program provides community nursing outreach and connection to health services for peninsula resident who are sleeping rough, in their cars or in insecure accommodation.

About 689 people sleep rough on the Mornington Peninsula every night.

“Having a phone is a lifeline – it means people can stay connected with family, friends and services and can access government services online, a key precursor to achieving stable housing,” Bolton Clarke Homeless Persons Program Manager Dee Loader said.

“But many rough sleepers lack the digital literacy and the ongoing support needed to make the most of this technology.

“Without support, these people will struggle to connect with essential welfare and health services or attend appointments to secure crisis or long-term accommodation. 

“This donation will support a growing cohort of people over 60 who are sleeping rough in Mornington this year. These are some of the most vulnerable people in our community.

“With the generous support of the Harcourts Foundation we’ll now be able to purchase phones on low cost and flexible plans from Better Life Mobile, and to take care of regular monthly payments.”

Head of the Harcourts Foundation Pauline Smith said the foundation’s support for this work underscored their dedication to creating meaningful impact and addressing local social challenges.

"We’re proud to support this vital program and make a real difference to the lives of those in our community. Helping Bolton Clarke’s Homeless Persons Program aligns with the values we hold dear at the Harcourts Foundation,” Ms Smith said.

Mornington Community Support Centre will also assist with ongoing support to teach people to use the phones to book vital medical and social services, video call family and friends and understand basic functionality.

Read more about the vital difference the Homeless Persons Program makes here.