Help Shane Snowden and Buck get off the streets
Donation protected
My name is Lucy Foja and I will sleep on the streets for 3 nights (1-3 June 2021) along with my friend, Liz Quimora to raise funds for my homeless friends, Shane Snowden, 33 years old, and Shane’s dog, Buck, a 3 year old bull Arab, and to raise awareness about the on-going homelessness problem in the City of Melbourne.
Shane and Buck are just two of many people experiencing homelessness. Shane has been living on and off the streets since he was 6 years old and has been living on the streets of Melbourne for almost 10 years now. Buck, a beautiful boy, was only 6 months old when he started living on the streets with Shane.
I live and work in the city of Melbourne. Over the last couple of years I have noticed more homeless people, some begging for money, some sleeping rough anywhere they can find some shelter. I have to deal with them around my work. Sometimes they leave a mess. It’s irritating but I have come to realise that some of them have mental health problems, but everyone’s story is different.
I love dogs and noticed that one homeless man that I often see near work has a large dog. I was a bit cynical as I wonder if some homeless people are genuine. Maybe they are just scamming for handouts? But I was concerned for the dog and so I started to bring food for the dog, who I learned is called Buck. He is a very big boy but he is very well behaved, mild mannered and obedient.
After a few visits I got to know the human, Shane, a bit better. I came to realise that Shane loves Buck and takes very good care of him. Buck is only true friend, in what is a friendless world for Shane. Shane showed me Buck’s things, his bowls, his food, his toys, and his neatly folded blankets. Buck is fully vaccinated and registered. Buck means everything to Shane.
I learned that Shane has been living on and off the streets for most of his life. He left home at a young age to escape family violence. Shane had a job before, but he injured his leg in an accident and couldn’t work for an extended time. He soon ended up homeless again.
Shane would like to get his life back together. He would like to get a job again, but who will give a homeless person a job? Shane isn’t eligible for any Government benefits because he doesn’t have a permanent address. He knows where to go to get some food, or clothes. He knows where he can go to have a shower and get a haircut. But he and Buck are still stuck living on the street.
I see people pass them by, looking down on them but they don’t want pity. Shane would like to have a job and a roof over their heads so they can live with dignity.
There are places that Shane can go to get some shelter for a while, but Buck is not welcome. There is only one place that welcomes them both which costs $45 per night. They are only permitted to stay two nights at a time - they are not the only ones in need. Some people give Shane and Buck some money - they save it for when it is cold and wet so they can get out of the weather, otherwise Shane says they get by ok when the weather is mild.
Shane and Buck are on a waiting list for public accommodation but they don’t know how long they will have to wait. They have been waiting for several years. If someone gives them accommodation they will get bumped down the waiting list, because they are no longer in urgent need.
It’s so hard for them to make a fresh start but Shane continues to hope that one day he can have a roof over their heads.
I have given them some food and cash from time to time but I would like to raise some more funds so Shane and Buck can have shelter when they need it. Winter is almost upon us; it is already getting cold and rainy. There isn’t much I can do for them, but give them some hope that people care.
To show my commitment to their cause I have volunteered to sleep on the street for 3 nights (1-3 June 2021). I’m a bit scared as it’s dangerous. My friend Liz is going to do it with me so at least I’m not alone, and I will feel a little safer. I’m going to sleep outside my workplace so if I feel threatened I can seek refuge as I have a key.
The funds will go directly to my account as Shane has no bank account. The funds will be used to pay Shane and Buck’s accommodation directly to an accommodation in Redan, St Kilda. This is the only place that welcomes Shane and Buck to sleep together.
I am humbly knocking on your door to help me provide Shane and Buck an accommodation where they can both sleep safely and warm for at least two nights each week or when it gets very cold and wet until summer or until they are provided a roof above their head through public housing. We will be very grateful for any amount you can help my friends. Thank you!
Shane and Buck can usually be found in Southgate Promenade (if not raining) or under the bridge in South Wharf (if raining). They are knocking on your door. Please give them a chance to rebuild their lives. Please help them get off the streets. If you wish to help or know more about Shane and Buck, you may send your email to the email provided here. Thank you!
Shane and Buck are just two of many people experiencing homelessness. Shane has been living on and off the streets since he was 6 years old and has been living on the streets of Melbourne for almost 10 years now. Buck, a beautiful boy, was only 6 months old when he started living on the streets with Shane.
I live and work in the city of Melbourne. Over the last couple of years I have noticed more homeless people, some begging for money, some sleeping rough anywhere they can find some shelter. I have to deal with them around my work. Sometimes they leave a mess. It’s irritating but I have come to realise that some of them have mental health problems, but everyone’s story is different.
I love dogs and noticed that one homeless man that I often see near work has a large dog. I was a bit cynical as I wonder if some homeless people are genuine. Maybe they are just scamming for handouts? But I was concerned for the dog and so I started to bring food for the dog, who I learned is called Buck. He is a very big boy but he is very well behaved, mild mannered and obedient.
After a few visits I got to know the human, Shane, a bit better. I came to realise that Shane loves Buck and takes very good care of him. Buck is only true friend, in what is a friendless world for Shane. Shane showed me Buck’s things, his bowls, his food, his toys, and his neatly folded blankets. Buck is fully vaccinated and registered. Buck means everything to Shane.
I learned that Shane has been living on and off the streets for most of his life. He left home at a young age to escape family violence. Shane had a job before, but he injured his leg in an accident and couldn’t work for an extended time. He soon ended up homeless again.
Shane would like to get his life back together. He would like to get a job again, but who will give a homeless person a job? Shane isn’t eligible for any Government benefits because he doesn’t have a permanent address. He knows where to go to get some food, or clothes. He knows where he can go to have a shower and get a haircut. But he and Buck are still stuck living on the street.
I see people pass them by, looking down on them but they don’t want pity. Shane would like to have a job and a roof over their heads so they can live with dignity.
There are places that Shane can go to get some shelter for a while, but Buck is not welcome. There is only one place that welcomes them both which costs $45 per night. They are only permitted to stay two nights at a time - they are not the only ones in need. Some people give Shane and Buck some money - they save it for when it is cold and wet so they can get out of the weather, otherwise Shane says they get by ok when the weather is mild.
Shane and Buck are on a waiting list for public accommodation but they don’t know how long they will have to wait. They have been waiting for several years. If someone gives them accommodation they will get bumped down the waiting list, because they are no longer in urgent need.
It’s so hard for them to make a fresh start but Shane continues to hope that one day he can have a roof over their heads.
I have given them some food and cash from time to time but I would like to raise some more funds so Shane and Buck can have shelter when they need it. Winter is almost upon us; it is already getting cold and rainy. There isn’t much I can do for them, but give them some hope that people care.
To show my commitment to their cause I have volunteered to sleep on the street for 3 nights (1-3 June 2021). I’m a bit scared as it’s dangerous. My friend Liz is going to do it with me so at least I’m not alone, and I will feel a little safer. I’m going to sleep outside my workplace so if I feel threatened I can seek refuge as I have a key.
The funds will go directly to my account as Shane has no bank account. The funds will be used to pay Shane and Buck’s accommodation directly to an accommodation in Redan, St Kilda. This is the only place that welcomes Shane and Buck to sleep together.
I am humbly knocking on your door to help me provide Shane and Buck an accommodation where they can both sleep safely and warm for at least two nights each week or when it gets very cold and wet until summer or until they are provided a roof above their head through public housing. We will be very grateful for any amount you can help my friends. Thank you!
Shane and Buck can usually be found in Southgate Promenade (if not raining) or under the bridge in South Wharf (if raining). They are knocking on your door. Please give them a chance to rebuild their lives. Please help them get off the streets. If you wish to help or know more about Shane and Buck, you may send your email to the email provided here. Thank you!
Organizer
Sorniluz Foja
Organizer
Docklands VIC
