Homelessness
The
issue.
Homelessness is no longer confined to the most vulnerable, as it now affects the broader population. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, housing affordability has caused a rising demand of 36% in just 3 years on homelessness services. The impact on homelessness services is substantial with a 12% increase in monthly caseloads and a requirement to focus on temporary relief instead of prevention. Despite this increasing demand, homelessness services remain underfunded with the government offering minimal support.
The demand on homelessness services for individuals aged 65+ has increased 31% in the past 6 years.
Median rents have risen a shocking 51% since the COVID-19 pandemic.
How Does This Happen?
Due to the increase in rental prices and difficulty in securing housing, homelessness has become a prevalent issue across Australia at no fault of the individual. In cases that homelessness services attempt to secure social housing, 77% of these services face difficulties, making homelessness prevention a challenge.
With the rental prices rising a significant 51% since the COVID-19 pandemic and homelessness services being underfunded, these issues continue to affect every day Australians.
Unfortunately, not enough is being done by the government to minimise the affects and prevent these issues from continuing to sky-rocket.
Who Does This Happen To?
Homelessness can occur for a variety of reasons, however, over the past 6 years, the rental affordability crises has caused a significant rise in requirement of homelessness services from working individuals, families and even children.
The demand on homelessness services has increased 5.3% in 5 years, showing an undeniable cross-over that housing instability now affects even working Australians.
It's easy to think of homelessness as sleeping in a doorway or on a bench, however, many of those who find themselves without refuge are sleeping in cars and shelters, keeping the seriousness and growth of the issue hidden.
Our Responsibility.
With homeless services severely underfunded, the support available to homeless individuals is minimal. Finding homes for those impacted has taken a backseat and keeping up with the demand has become the main goal of these providers. This means that Australians continue into a heightened risk of chronic illnesses, risk of violence and exploitation andmental health issues. With 1 in 7 experiencing homelessness being under 12, and a significant amount of individuals being 65+, our support to charities such as Set Free Care is pivotal. Consider a monthly donation to help us provide grants to those who are in the most need.