Census data reveals almost a quarter of homeless people have jobs

NEW data shows the parts of Adelaide with the most homeless people, while revealing a quarter of those sleeping rough do so while holding down jobs.

STAFF OF LIFE: Glen Barnes , of Elizabeth Park, receives food from Cos We Care founder Ann Cooper at Fremont Park yesterday. Picture: BRENTON EDWARDS/AAP.

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THE extent of South Australia’s homelessness problem has been revealed in new data that shows almost a quarter of those living on the streets or sleeping rough do so while holding down a job.

The latest Census data reveals 5238 people identify themselves as homeless, which includes sleeping on the streets, in shelters, couch surfing or living in overcrowded accommodation.

The figures also show almost one in four, or 1275 homeless, were employed.

And of the 377 identified as living on the streets, 51 were employed, including 45 people who had done more than 16 hours of work during the week of the Census.

Port Adelaide Enfield Council has been identified as the state’s homeless hotspot followed by the CBD, Salisbury, Onkaparinga and Charles Sturt council districts.

The total number of homeless has reduced from 5981 since the 2011 Census but the number of people sleeping rough has grown by 48 per cent from 256 to 377.

The figures come as social service agencies argue South Australia is in a prime position to address the issue of homelessness.

Local agencies have joined a national coalition for a campaign aimed at reducing homelessness in Australia.

The team behind the Everybody’s Home campaign, that includes SACOSS and Shelter SA, have identified five areas to address homelessness including:

RESETTING the tax system to make it easier for ordinary Australians wanting to buy their first home;

BUILDING 500,000 new low-cost rental homes across the country;

BETTER conditions for those renting;

INCREASING Commonwealth Rent Assistance for the thousands of Australians struggling to pay the rent.

SA Council of Social Services chief executive Ross Womersley said the new Steven Marshall-led State Government should address some of the suggestions. “The fact that the State and Federal governments are aligned gives us a window of opportunity to try and line up policy settings across State and Federal jurisdictions to make sure we can get these issues addressed,” he said.

“It’d be a great shame to squander that opportunity.”

Shelter SA executive director Alice Clark said the Census clearly showed the number of people sleeping rough had increased.

“While we welcome the release of the data we always want to be talking about housing, not just support services and people living on the streets,” Dr Clark said.

“We need to be looking at solutions and how we can help people into more affordable living arrangements, especially given our high unemployment in SA, our high cost of utilities.”

Port Adelaide Enfield mayor Gary Johanson was not surprised his council area was home to 751 people regarded as homeless. He said many people “down on their luck” were drawn to the area for its non-judgmental, welcoming attitude.

“Port Adelaide people will give you the shirt off their back,” Mr Johanson said.

“The health and welfare of all those in our community is paramount.”