Some reflections and thanks over 2 years later:
Since its first release in 2008 over 1000 copies
have been directly distributed to those in crisis (including those in prison - for free!) and a whole bunch to services (usually for donation). There's also been an unknown amount distributed via the internet in its PDF form. The book has become the default handbook at several crisis services across Ipswich and Brisbane, with many people with experience either in crisis or working in the support/care work sector sharing their experience and knowledge, their frustrations in the workplace, the intricacies of the housing sector and with the system as a whole (and sometimes a donation!). In this sense it's been an important catalyst for rank-and-file discussion across the sector as well as for discussion amongst those in crisis. The book is also famous on the street;
Crisis! being the first of its kind has been the basis for many other guides; some sponsored by the Government have pretty much produced the practical aspects of the guide word for word (Including the mistakes! see for example the State Sponsored: "A Handy Guide for Women in Brisbane").
I personally get a lot of satisfaction hearing reflections and having discussions with those in crisis as a result of their interaction with the book (eg: the empowerment that comes from viewing their personal situation as political, discussions around Solidarity Networks and anarcho-syndicalist tactics, a dreamy enthusiasm for a society organised from below - no bosses or bureaucrats!), including the amount of people that have considered organising together against injustices, social-squatting and other political action.
These achievements are due to the solidarity and aid shown by people (through encouragement, help with sneaky printing etc) who want something out there that actually has some teeth to it. Thanks to the multitude of people that have made this possible.
Since its first release in 2008 over 1000 copies
have been directly distributed to those in crisis (including those in prison - for free!) and a whole bunch to services (usually for donation). There's also been an unknown amount distributed via the internet in its PDF form. The book has become the default handbook at several crisis services across Ipswich and Brisbane, with many people with experience either in crisis or working in the support/care work sector sharing their experience and knowledge, their frustrations in the workplace, the intricacies of the housing sector and with the system as a whole (and sometimes a donation!). In this sense it's been an important catalyst for rank-and-file discussion across the sector as well as for discussion amongst those in crisis. The book is also famous on the street;
Crisis! being the first of its kind has been the basis for many other guides; some sponsored by the Government have pretty much produced the practical aspects of the guide word for word (Including the mistakes! see for example the State Sponsored: "A Handy Guide for Women in Brisbane").
I personally get a lot of satisfaction hearing reflections and having discussions with those in crisis as a result of their interaction with the book (eg: the empowerment that comes from viewing their personal situation as political, discussions around Solidarity Networks and anarcho-syndicalist tactics, a dreamy enthusiasm for a society organised from below - no bosses or bureaucrats!), including the amount of people that have considered organising together against injustices, social-squatting and other political action.
These achievements are due to the solidarity and aid shown by people (through encouragement, help with sneaky printing etc) who want something out there that actually has some teeth to it. Thanks to the multitude of people that have made this possible.
LIST OF CONTENTS:
Forward
The Need for Food
Food Vans
Dumpster Diving
Emergency Relief
The Need for Shelter
Crisis Accommodation
Domestic Violence
Police Powers & Legal Aid
Forward
The Need for Food
Food Vans
Dumpster Diving
Emergency Relief
The Need for Shelter
Crisis Accommodation
Domestic Violence
Police Powers & Legal Aid
Long Term Accommodation
Department of Housing
Eviction
Community Housing
Bond Loans & Rental Grants
Justice of the Peace (JPs)
Squatters’ Handbook Getting Identification
Health & Health Services
TICA
Directory of Community Organisations
Looking After Yourself
Bulk Billing Doctors
Sleeping Rough
Brisbane on a Budget
Depression & Staying Strong Suicide
Listen, Social worker!
White Australia has a Black History
Directory of Community Organisations
Looking After Yourself
Bulk Billing Doctors
Sleeping Rough
Brisbane on a Budget
Depression & Staying Strong Suicide
Listen, Social worker!
White Australia has a Black History
ORDER/QUESTION FORM
Our 120+ page handbook with advice on accommodation, emergency relief, food, squatting, police powers, useful contacts etc aiming to widen the scope of thought and debate around homelessness and its surrounding issues and to provide useful, practical information. 100% DIY.
"The aim of this book is to provide some direction to those who are homeless or are at risk of falling into homelessness; to make hard to find information available for those who might want to help someone
in crisis but don't know how- and; to demonstrate to people from all walks of life that homelessness isn't a natural or a minor issue"
Free for prisoners/those in crisis etc. Donations appreciated (especially if you're from an institution). Fill out the contact form to get a hard copy/ask a question/ keep updates on newer versions etc.If you have something to add - share your knowledge! If you'd like to be sent out updates, let us know in the form
"This is a Magic Book!"
-James T, Crisis-accom tenant
"The aim of this book is to provide some direction to those who are homeless or are at risk of falling into homelessness; to make hard to find information available for those who might want to help someone
in crisis but don't know how- and; to demonstrate to people from all walks of life that homelessness isn't a natural or a minor issue"
Free for prisoners/those in crisis etc. Donations appreciated (especially if you're from an institution). Fill out the contact form to get a hard copy/ask a question/ keep updates on newer versions etc.If you have something to add - share your knowledge! If you'd like to be sent out updates, let us know in the form
"This is a Magic Book!"
-James T, Crisis-accom tenant
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CRISIS:
IPSWICH-BRISBANE
IPSWICH-BRISBANE
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