Homelessness crisis deepens: Urgent call for action

Australia grapples with a homelessness crisis, according to a new report from the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI).

The report, released today, reveals a 22% increase in rough sleeping nationwide over the past three years. This alarming trend is accompanied by a surge in the number of people seeking assistance from homelessness services, with a 12% rise in monthly caseloads since 2019-20.

A growing problem for working Australians

One of the most concerning findings is the growing number of employed Australians experiencing homelessness. The proportion of people accessing homelessness services who are employed has risen from 10.9% to 15.3% over the past five years.

“Homelessness is no longer confined to the most vulnerable,” said Kate Colvin, CEO of Homelessness Australia. “With the housing crisis forcing working families into homelessness, this should be a wake-up call for action.”

The strain on homelessness services

Homelessness services are facing unprecedented pressure, with many struggling to meet the rising demand. Over three-quarters of services reported significant difficulty securing housing for clients in mid-2024 compared to the previous year.

“Many support agencies are at a breaking point,” said Professor Hal Pawson from the City Futures Research Centre. “Staff are operating in a completely clogged system; people exit support services into the same homelessness they were trying to escape.”

Urgent policy action needed

To address this crisis, the report calls for urgent policy action, including:

• Increased investment in social housing: To meet the growing demand and provide long-term housing solutions.
• Enhanced tenancy rights: To protect tenants from eviction and ensure secure housing.
• Adequate social security payments: To lift people from poverty and prevent homelessness.
• Investment in homelessness prevention: To stop people from becoming homeless in the first place.
• Support for Housing First programmes: To help people transition out of homelessness and into stable housing.

“If we want to measurably reduce homelessness at the societal level and to prevent it in the future, the only way to do so is through reducing poverty and expanding access to suitable and affordable accommodation,” Professor Pawson added.

As the housing crisis continues to worsen, it is imperative that governments take immediate action to address the root causes of homelessness and provide adequate support to those in need.

Also read: Million-dollar home sale to fund homeless support in Victoria