Alarming rise in employed people sleeping rough

The number of full-time workers who are sleeping rough across the state has skyrocketed over the last two years, as more employed people struggle to find affordable housing.

The number of full-time workers who are experiencing homelessness across the state has skyrocketed over the last two years, according to new data, as more employed people struggle to find affordable housing.

The amount of working people sleeping rough has risen by 66 per cent over two years, with young people between 18 and 34 hit the hardest, according to a Homelessness NSW analysis of new Australian Institute of Health and Welfare figures.

The number of employed people seeking the help of homelessness services in the 2023-24 financial year increased to 17 per cent of total clients, up from 13 per cent in 2018-19. One third of that number work full time.

Additionally, the data found that 70 per cent of working homeless are women, while 39 per cent are young people between 18 and 34.

A homeless man sleeping rough on Oxford Street in Darlinghurst. New data shows there has been a 66 per cent increase in workers sleeping rough in the past two two years. Picture: Richard Dobson

Homelessness NSW chief executive Dominique Rowe said the concerning increase was largely caused by the housing crisis and cost of living, with rental prices locking people with jobs out of housing.

“We’re seeing that even people with good jobs are finding it hard to find a private rental,” she said.

“These increases are a symptom of the housing crisis, as working people are being squished out of the private markets and forced onto the street.”

Ms Rowe said both young people and older people over the age of 55 were most at risk of struggling to find a rental.

“Jobs for younger people tend to be lower paid, while over 55s often rely on income support to pay the rent,” she said.

“The pension no longer cuts it to pay rent in this state.”

Homelessness Minister Rose Jackson said the fact more working people were struggling to find housing was “deeply concerning”. Picture: NewsWire / Monique Harmer

The new data was sent to NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey and Homelessness Minister Rose Jackson on Tuesday afternoon, in a budget submission from Homelessness NSW calling for a $15 million targeted program to support working homeless with rental subsidies. They have also asked for a 30 per cent increase in baseline funding for homelessness services.

Ms Jackson said the fact more working people were struggling to find housing was “deeply concerning” but would not pre-empt the 2025-26 budget.

“Hardworking people who support their communities deserve certainty and security, not the fear of homelessness,” she said.

“We are finalising a new whole of government Homelessness Strategy.”