THE death of a 52-year-old homeless man this week has further highlighted the need for an emergency shelter during winter, according to the not-for-profit sector.
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The man was found in the early hours of Monday morning, located in the loading dock at Aldi and while no criminal features were detected by police, Salvation Army Captain David Grounds said sleeping rough was dangerous at the best of times.
"There's a risk of violence, being robbed or abused and raped," he said.
"There's also ongoing mental health or physical health issues that may not be addressed properly."
Captain Grounds said homeless people often left hotter cities for Orange in summer where it was cooler, returning when Orange's temperatures plummeted.
Fusion team leader Bev Rankin said the organisation occasionally helped the odd homeless person or two with FoodCare vouchers and cups of tea, but up to five had sought assistance since Christmas.
We definitely need to provide a shelter for people during winter where it's dry and warm.
- Bev Rankin
One was fleeing violence, Mrs Rankin said, while two experienced mental health problems and were trying to sort them out.
"You can't say there's one right answer, but we definitely need to provide a shelter for people during winter where it's dry and warm and they can get a basic meal," she said.
"Lately it's been fairly warm, but come winter, it will be a real health hazard.
"Bathurst Uniting Church offered something last winter - they had a spare room where they could provide that accommodation and we need something similar in Orange."
Mission Australia runs Benjamin Short Grove, an aged care facility catering specifically for the homeless and disadvantaged.
Director of care Kim Dillon reiterated the need for governments to ensure people aged in secure homes.
Mission Australia is currently running the Everybody's Home campaign, which is lobbying for a national strategy to end homelessness by 2030 and increase rent assistance for those struggling to pay.
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