There are , a number that has grown by 14% in the last few years.
There are a few reasons why homelessness is rising around the country, but the lack of affordable housing is the most obvious one.
“Rent prices continue to rise. People who have a low income can't afford some of the rent increases we're seeing,” explains Evelyne Tadros, state leader for New South Wales.
Jenny Smith, the CEO of the and the Chair of , says that Australia doesn't have a national plan to tackle housing affordability: “We don't have any plan for the government to intervene to make sure that there is housing for people on a lower income. We expect the market to take care of it, but we've just had 30 to 40 years of unparalleled prosperity in our country and the market hasn't taken care of it. Governments have gotten out of the business of providing social housing and until they get back in the business of doing that, we will see homelessness continue to increase, and to increase more quickly."
A homeless man sits on a street in the Central Business District of Sydney. Source: Getty Images
She wants people to understand that issues like family violence and housing affordability cause homelessness, not individual vulnerabilities.
“I think it's very unfortunate that in our community, our vision of homelessness is about individual vulnerabilities, whether people are migrants or are struggling with a disability like a mental health problem or an addiction. This isn't about individuals. If you're poor in our community, it's impossible to see how you can afford housing in our current housing market and the chance of you becoming homeless is very high. This is not about people trying harder, there are just not anywhere near the number of homes that we need at the more affordable end of the market," she says.
Migrants are disproportionally affected by homelessness. . On top of having to deal with the lack of affordable housing, people from CALD backgrounds face more challenges. “They can face additional stresses when settling in Australia, including adjustment to language, culture and education. Some of them might have a lack of understanding of tenancy rights and risk exploitation by landlords,” explains Tadros.
A supplied image of Loaves & Fishes Free Restaurant reopening Sydney's largest soup kitchen for the homeless Sept. 8, 2015. Source: AAP
How to get help?
If you are on the brink of homeless or are already homeless, there are ways to get help. Each state has its own organisations. They can help you negotiate with your landlord, find emergency housing or provide a warm meal.
You can find organisations. There’s also a 24h national helpline , 1800 RESPECT.
If you prefer speaking in a language other than English, interpreters are available through the , and many organisations have bilingual workers.
If you're lucky enough to have a roof over your head, Smith says that the first thing you can do to help is to be kind.
Bunks in a homeless shelter Source: iStockphoto
“The most important thing is that people are kind to people experiencing difficulties, and within that kindness, do what they can within their resources. The other really important thing that people need to do is to ask the question, every time they go to a federal, state or local election, ' Does the party I'm voting for have a housing and homelessness policy?' Do the work to make sure the party they want to vote for has that policy or vote for the party that does have that policy."
To find out more about homelessness services around Australia, visit the .
