Homelessness has always been – and, unfortunately, will continue to be – a major problem, not only in Ballarat, but elsewhere.

As we tuck ourselves into a warm bed each night after eating our hot meal, it is hard to understand what it would be like to be so desperate for a roof over our heads that we sleep in a car or out on the streets.

According to welfare organisations, there are hundreds of homeless people in Ballarat.

These people who huddle behind buildings, or sleep in their cars, are the hidden face of the region’s homeless problem.

But homeless people don’t choose homelessness as a lifestyle.

These are people who, whether it be because of financial hardships, a mental illness, an addiction or for other reasons, have truly hit hard times. These are ordinary people who don’t need anyone’s pity, they need a helping hand. That help could come in the form of a job offer, financial advice, even a caring ear.

Ballarat SoupBus founder Craig Schepis put the problem into perspective at the weekend, saying homelessness meant people were often plagued by shame and humiliation and the human face of the crisis remained hidden away.

And with the cost of living increasing, the jobs situation worsening and Ballarat in the grips of a housing crisis, those who have hit hard times will be hit even harder.

For many, emergency accommodation has become a long-term prospect. However, such accommodation in Ballarat is in high demand.

While it is easy to turn a blind eye to the homeless, something needs to be done to help these people.

It is easy to say “It’s not my problem”, but circumstances can change so quickly and unexpectedly that you could find yourself walking in a homeless person’s shoes.

The deaths of these two young people at Cardigan at the weekend should not be in vain ... even if it gives someone a nudge to be more compassionate towards the homeless, or, even better, to find a solution. Whatever that may be.