HOMELESSNESS in Australia has been too much of a taboo issue for a long time but it’s something that affects over 116,000 Australians every night.
A number of contributing factors can result in someone becoming homeless – domestic/family violence, drug/alcohol abuse, mental health challenges and more recently lack of affordable and social housing.
Homelessness Australia uses the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) statistical definition of homelessness.
“When a person does not have suitable accommodation alternatives they are considered homeless if their current living arrangement: is in a dwelling that is inadequate; or has no tenure, or if their initial tenure is short and not extendable; or does not allow them to have control of, and access to space for social relations.”
National Homelessness Week was launched in August, with the Albanese Government using the opportunity to reaffirm their plan to decrease homelessness figures.
“This year’s theme is to end homelessness we need a plan, and our plan will address the complex challenges facing our housing system – from homelessness to increasing supply of social and affordable housing,” minister for housing and homelessness Julie Collins MP said.
“According to the 2016 Census, in Australia there are over 116,000 people experiencing homelessness, and this figure is unacceptable. Of these, over 51,000 were homelessness due to severe overcrowding and 8,200 were rough sleepers.” Minister Collins said.
“Our reforms aim to ensure every Australian has access to safe and affordable housing to improve social and economic outcomes for all Australians, including those at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness.”
The Albanese Labor Government has a number of plans in place to try and combat the housing crisis and one of their goals as stated is to improve the housing situations of Australians.
Those who are struggling finding suitable housing and struggling to find or afford a place to live however, will be hoping they don’t end up getting left out in the cold again.
Assistance and helpful services across every state can be found on the homelessness Australia website.
