Startling spike in homelessness numbers in Campbelltown area

Despite the rapid development of housing estates in the Macarthur region, census data has uncovered the worsening plight of homelessness in Sydney’s southwest.

Macarthur federal Labor MP Dr Mike Freelander, along with the Shadow Minister for Housing and Homeslessness Jason Clare, with the region’s leading community organisations confronting homelessness.

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Despite the rapid development of housing estates in the Macarthur region, census data has uncovered the worsening plight of homelessness in Sydney’s southwest.

The number of homeless people in the Campbelltown area has spiked by 44 per cent, a startling increase between the 2011 and 2016 census.

Homeless levels have spiked significantly in the Campbelltown area between 2011 and 2016.

Macarthur federal Labor MP Dr Mike Freelander, along with the Shadow Minister for Housing and Homeslessness Jason Clare, met with community organisations We are Community Incorporated, Shining Star Foundation and BlueCHP Limited to discuss what assistance can be offered to address the issue.

Dr Freelander criticised the government’s ignorance of this growing issue.

“Despite all these huge, new housing developments, more people here are couch surfing and

sleeping rough,” he said.

“Our community is being sold off to developers, but the Government refuses to look after locals who are doing it tough.

“Community organisations are trying to help people with one arm tied behind their back. Why won’t the government support them?”.