Mount Isa Centacare homelessness program manager Chris Town said the numbers of people seeking financial assistance from Centacare for electrical bills had tripled.

There is also expected to be an influx of homeless people in Mount Isa between the Mount Isa Show and Mount Isa Rotary Rodeo event, like every other year. 

His comments coincide with Homeless Persons’ Week, which will be held until this Sunday. 

A downturn in economy, reduction of employees of local mines and the closure of shops affected homeless numbers, he said. 

A conservative estimate of the number of homeless people in Mount Isa was about 300 to 400, Mr Town said.

It could be as high as 500 but it was difficult to know the precise numbers. 

“In particular the youth that are couch surfing is a very hard number to pin down,” Mr Town said.  

The decrease in rental prices had little benefit to Mount Isa’s homeless. 

“It can be a benefit for some of the clients, particularly in homestay programs (those who have accommodation but could still need financial or counselling support), but the difference from $750 a week and $600 a week is still not attainable for them,” Mr Town said. 

But Mount Isa’s advantage in dealing with homelessness was the collaboration between different groups and support services including the Department of Youth Justice, the Department of Housing and the Department of Child Safety was “fantastic.” 

He urged people facing homelessness to seek support as soon as they faced financial difficulty. 

“Some people come in say they will be evicted tomorrow, that’s too late. 

“In three weeks a lot more can be done.” 

A Community Connect event will be held at 80 Short Street from 2.30pm to 5pm, Thursday. 

Free meals, clothing, blankets, entertainment and other support services will be made available. 

Centacare is seeking donations for the event.