Perth Voice Interactive

DARREN HAWKINS is 41, suffers bipolar disorder and is homeless.

He has battled his disability for 21 years, flitting between stints in hospital and the workplace, but when the economic downturn hit, work became hard to find and the stress of finding a job aggravated his illness, and he ended up in Rockingham hospital.

On leaving hospital with nowhere to stay and no money, he found himself on the streets for the first time—aged 41.

Thankfully, St Bart’s intervened and offered Hawkins shelter until he got back on his feet: “I’m one of the lucky ones: I’ve got a roof over my head and a toilet and shower,” he says.

“The guys doing it tough are the ones out there with nothing.

“I’m so grateful to St Bart’s for letting me stay here until I recuperate and get myself sorted out.”

Hawkins, who grew up in Armadale, says he hopes to find a place to stay in Mandurah, near his sister and friends.

He says they didn’t have room for him to stay on a long-term basis after he left hospital.

Prior to seeking refuge at St Bart’s in East Perth, Hawkins held down a job in the mines for six years.

Following doctor’s advice he is now on a disability pension until he is well enough to work again.

According to an ACOSS study, one in four Australians with a disability live below the poverty line.

An AIHW report revealed that people with disabilities make up about 18 per cent of the general population, but are one-quarter of specialist homeless services clientele.

Homeless Persons Week finishes Sunday. For info visit http://www.communityhousing.com.au.

by STEPHEN POLLOCK