MEDIA RELEASE: Polling shows 42% of Australians worry about becoming homeless

07/08/2018

Homelessness in Australia is reaching such a crisis point that 42% of Australians now worry they could become homeless if their circumstances change, new polling released today shows.

Essential Report research for national housing campaign Everybody’s Home also shows that 1 in 3 of Australians now know someone who has experienced homelessness.

Key points from poll:

• 33% of Australians know someone who has experienced homelessness
• 42% worry they could become homeless if their circumstances change
• 78% of people believe homelessness is a growing problem
• 75% of voters across the political spectrum believe more social housing is critical to solving homelessness

Everybody’s Home spokesperson, Kate Colvin said the figures show that homelessness is a growing concern for ordinary Australians.

“It’s now no longer a niche issue, it’s an issue that an overwhelming number of voters expect their politicians to act on,” Ms Colvin said.

“79 per cent of people believe that in a wealthy country like Australia, governments have a responsibility to make sure everybody has a roof over their head.

“Across the political spectrum, 3 in 4 voters believe more social housing is critical to solving homeless.”

Everybody’s Home is calling for the Federal Government to develop a national strategy that will meet the shortfall of 500,000 social and affordable rental homes, and to put together a national action plan to end homelessness in Australia by 2030.

The full report is here