Helpers of homeless face move from central city

For the past three weeks Claire Chapman, with the help of friends and family, has been providing free meals and clothing to those who cannot afford it in Garden Place.

Every night from 6.30 to 7.30 pm she serves a meal and hands out donated clothing. On average she is getting 60-70 people turn up each night.

The mix of people changes every night and it’s not just adults, there are teenagers too.

“It’s unbelievable, the faces just change all the time,” Chapman said.

But Hamilton City Council wants her to move out of Garden Place and out of the CBD.

“The council has made it very clear to me that they do not want these people here,” said Chapman.

She made an application to use the rooms at the Age Concern centre on Victoria Street but it was rejected by council.

They suggested she contact other organisations that provide help to see if they had an area they could use. The council said they would not provide a space.

Sydney William Smylie, who stays at the Hamilton Night Shelter, said the meals were a “lifesaver”.

Three weeks ago his wallet was stolen  and for two weeks the only meals Mr Smylie was eating were those provided by Mrs Chapman’s group.

“It’s becoming more and more difficult for them to provide us with food because the council is pressuring them to move away,” said Mr Smylie.

“The shops are closed, there’s no one there except them and they they are making sure we clean up afterwards to not leave any mess there for them [the council] to complain about but they’re still pressuring them to move away from there.

“They seem to be the forgotten people in the city,” Chapman said. “The council’s embarrassed by them and it concerns me.”

Many people have pitched in from the community donating clothes, food and also helping with the cooking of meals.

On Wednesday last week her husband started a Facebook page called Hamilton Homeless to help promote their cause and field donations.

She spends around 12 hours a week fundraising outside supermarkets to raise the $600-$700 dollars they need for a weeks’ meals.

She believes the problem will only get worse with the closure of the Hamilton East motor camp where many low income families are living.

“There is not enough accommodation in Hamilton for these people,” said Chapman.

While  several religious and community organisations provide meals throughout the week, none of them provide a free meal regularly.

The meals usually cost one or two dollars, but for some this is still money they will beg for.

Claire is hoping for a regular spot where she can serve her meals.

“Hopefully in time we will be able to do more and have a shelter somewhere.”