Homeless Australia warns support for struggling Aussies is worsening as cost of living crisis intensifies
Many people facing homelessness are being turned away by support workers due to a lack of resources, new research reveals.
Economy
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Homelessness advocates around the country are continuing to face immense strain on resources after battling the toughest year on record, with many being forced to turn people away due to a lack of resources.
A recent Homelessness Australia survey revealed service providers have seen an increase in the unrelenting demand for support because of the ongoing housing and cost of living crisis nationwide.
The survey, which asked 252 workers across frontline and support functions about 2023 pressures, found more than 35 per cent of providers had to turn away any individual seeking help due to the housing crisis.
Meanwhile, 93 per cent of those surveyed said the housing problem had worsened in the last year.
Homelessness Australia chief executive Kate Colvin said providers were worried about potential cuts to the sector, as the federal government crafts its latest National Housing and Homelessness Plan.
“Homelessness providers are expected to work miracles but the strain is simply unrelenting,” Ms Colvin said.
“Funding, which is already uncertain, is plateauing while demand surges.
“The status quo is just unsustainable.”
The federal government stated has announced its intention to terminate the current homelessness agreement it shares with the states and territories from June 30, 2024.
Instead, the federal government was working towards developing new arrangements before June 30.
But Ms Colvin said homelessness providers are already being forced to make extremely difficult choices as the deadline looms.
“If they’re approached by a mother and child fleeing violence and a teenager escaping abuse they need to decide whose predicament is worse,” she said.
“Often if someone has a car they can sleep in then they won’t get accommodation.
“People working in our sector are confronted by trauma and are taking that home with them.
“They deserve support and certainty.”
Ms Colvin said providing secure funding would allow homelessness support workers the assurance that those they aim to help will be looked after.
“A substantial investment in social housing, sustained focus on the causes of homelessness, and a significant funding boost for support services can end homelessness,” she said.
“The Government must also end the immediate uncertainty around $73 million in funding to cover the wages of the workforce.
“The last thing anyone needs in a housing crisis is a cut to homelessness support.”
The CoreLogic Quarterly Rent Review found in October rents have increased by 30.4 per cent since July 2020, with the median weekly rental value increasing to $588.
Originally published as Homeless Australia warns support for struggling Aussies is worsening as cost of living crisis intensifies
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