The man underwent a medical procedure at Shoalhaven Hospital and due to his living conditions was able to secure a bed for the night for his dog through the Living Ruff program, which supports homeless people with pets.

“He used the service for one night as there was a fear that the dog could overheat staying in the car and then the next day he came and got the dog once he had been released from hospital,” a representative from the program said. 

The man arrived at the hospital to have a course of intravenous antibiotics to combat an infection from a catheter.

Old Erowal Bay resident Travis Harpley was at the hospital when the homeless man arrived and was amazed to hear his story.

“He was there when we arrived and we started chatting casually,” he said.

“Apparently he had a car accident five years ago and was unable to find a place to live. I was surprised that he was homeless as he looked reasonably well-presented.

“He has got a few serious health issues; he’s partially paraplegic and living homeless with a catheter. It can’t be easy.” 

“When I found out that they had been able to find a spot for his dog for the night but not for him I was shocked.

“It’s pretty rough, but I guess that’s what happens when you cut services,” he said, adding that the man had expressed a desire to find somewhere stable to live.

Steve Sweeney, who has recently retired from working in the homeless field for the past 20 years, believes that homelessness in the Shoalhaven is an ongoing issue.

“The new hostel [John Purcell House] has improved things and the Going Home, Staying Home program has allowed for a far greater degree of co-operation between government agencies and non-government agencies.

“There is still a great demand for affordable housing though,” Mr Sweeney said.