Social housing needed to stop rising housing stress and homelessness

05/12/2022

As new research shows housing stress is the fastest growing cause of homelessness in Australia, the Federal Government must commit to fund a decades’ long pipeline of social housing builds, according to national housing campaign Everybody’s Home.

The latest Australian Homelessness Monitor has found over the past four years, homelessness services saw a 27 per cent rise in people seeking help because they can’t afford rent. 

The Monitor, commissioned by Launch Housing and produced by University of New South Wales City Futures Research Centre and University of Queensland, found homelessness is outpacing population growth. 

It also shows that the social housing shortfall is getting worse. Over the past 30 years, lettings have plunged by 42 per cent.

Everybody’s Home national spokesperson Maiy Azize said there are ways to end the tragic rise in homelessness.

“Historically high rents are adding to the surge in homelessness.

“There aren’t enough affordable homes, and millions of Australians are paying the price – including families, women fleeing domestic violence, and older people. Their plight won’t end until there is action. 

“Now is the government’s opportunity to step-up its game and provide meaningful solutions for those who are already homeless and on the brink. 

“It can tackle housing affordability and prevent homelessness by building 25,000 social homes a year, increasing Commonwealth Rent Assistance, and expanding it to everyone who needs it.

“We’re asking the Government to walk the talk, and join us to end this crisis for good.”