It’s Homelessness Week – August 5 – 11, 2024. It’s a crucial platform for raising awareness about the causes and impacts of homelessness. The statistics surrounding homelessness in Australia highlight the urgent need for both community action and government intervention.
The stark reality of homelessness in Australia
According to the 2021 ABS Census, on any given night, 122,494 people in Australia are experiencing homelessness. This includes a particularly vulnerable demographic – children. One in seven people experiencing homelessness are children under 12, and 23 per cent of those without stable housing are children and young people between the ages of 12 and 24.
Homelessness disproportionately affects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, with one in five people experiencing homelessness belonging to these groups. There is a real need for culturally sensitive approaches and solutions.
Overwhelmed Homelessness Services
The demand for homelessness services is overwhelming and outstrips the available resources. In the 2022-23 financial year, homelessness services assisted 273,600 people. But, an additional 108,000 people sought help but could not be assisted due to shortages in staff, accommodation, or other services. This means that every day, approximately 295 people are turned away from the help they desperately need. Alarmingly, 80 per cent of those turned away are women and children, many fleeing domestic and family violence.
The primary causes of homelessness
Understanding the root causes of homelessness is essential for developing effective solutions. The main reason people seek homelessness support is due to issues with housing or finances, with 65 per cent of those needing support citing these problems. This statistic reveals the critical need for adequate income support and affordable housing as fundamental solutions to prevent homelessness.
Another significant factor is family violence or other forms of violence and abuse, with 24 per cent of individuals needing support giving these as their reasons. There is a real need for comprehensive violence prevention strategies and support systems for survivors.
The Path Forward
To significantly reduce the number of people experiencing homelessness, it’s suggested that both community efforts and government policies are aligned and strong. Here are key areas where action is needed:
- Increase Income Support and Affordable Housing:
- Ensuring that people can afford rent is fundamental to preventing homelessness. This requires the government to increase income support and invest in more social housing. Affordable housing provides stability and security, which are crucial for individuals and families to thrive.
- Invest in Violence Prevention and Support:
- Given the high percentage of homelessness due to violence, it’s recommended that the government invest in violence prevention programs. Additionally, providing support and housing for survivors of violence is essential to help them rebuild their lives free from fear and instability.
- Strengthening Homelessness Services:
- With so many people being turned away each day from specialist homelessness service providers, it is clear that homelessness services need more resources. This includes increasing funding for staff, accommodation, and comprehensive support services. By strengthening these services, we can better meet the needs of those seeking help.
- Community Engagement and Advocacy:
- We can advocate for change. By raising awareness and advocating our local representatives to prioritise homelessness, we can contribute to meaningful progress in solving homelessness. Supporting local organisations that provide essential services to homeless individuals, like Burdekin, can also make a significant difference.
Find out more about Homelessness Week here. And discover how Burdekin advocates for young homeless people here.
