State homelessness crisis hits middle class

Tasmania’s homeless crisis is “real” and it is no longer just low socio-economic individuals being affected, says the leader of a Hobart charity that provides emergency relief.

Hobart City Mission chief executive John Stubley and emergency relief officer Clinton Duong. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

TASMANIA’S homeless crisis is starting to affect middle class families, says the leader of a Hobart charity that provides emergency relief to vulnerable people.

Hobart City Mission chief executive John Stubley said the crisis situation was “real” and it was no longer just low socio-economic individuals being affected.

“We’re now seeing middle class families who can’t afford to put a roof over their head,” he said.

“The situation where there’s not enough properties puts pressure on all levels of society.”

Mr Stubley said people sleeping rough didn’t particularly spike during winter time, but there was more of a gradual increase as the housing crisis worsened.

The mission runs an emergency relief program to provide vulnerable southern Tasmanians with food, clothing, obtaining furniture and help with managing finances.

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Mr Stubley said the right support networks were in place, but the demand was too much and more resources were needed. He said for every two people they helped, they had to turn one away.

“We help about 2500 people a year, but we have to turn another 1200 away,” Mr Stubley said.

The Salvation Army, Australia’s largest homeless service provider, has found homelessness among women was increasing across the country, with Tasmania no exception.

“Older women have become the unexpected face of poverty in Australia,” Tasmanian Salvation Army officer Major Brad Watson said.

“Their life as a primary carer, in the majority of cases, sets back their superannuation, skills development and employment options later in life.

“Older women, many fleeing family violence, are especially vulnerable, and we are seeing anecdotal evidence that many suffer in silence rather than ask for help.”

Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said council bylaws required staff to move campers on, but they tried to link people with services that provided beds, food and other support before they took that step.

“Council funds a number of things to support people who are homeless, including Metro cards, lockers, phone charging stations, and recently we have installed showers at the new Kemp St public toilets,” she said.

She said they had also convened a Housing with Dignity Reference Group that provided council with insights from people who had experienced homelessness.

Franklin state Labor MHA Alison Standen said she had heard from stressed private renters who were worried the next price rise could force them out of the market.

Housing Minister Roger Jaensch said the Government had allocated almost $68 million in 2019-20 to boost the supply of new social and affordable homes.

The Federal Government has also committed $30 million for 100 new social housing dwellings through the Hobart City Deal.