Did you know that when someone finds themselves experiencing homelessness in Australia, there is government support available for supported temporary accommodation in most states.
However, for those people not eligible for government assistance due to their citizenship or visa status, it can be a particularly challenging time when life takes an unexpected turn.
Dignity’s new Ineligible for Government Housing Assistance (IHA) program is designed to support people experiencing homelessness where possible, regardless of their citizenship or visa status.
This support includes food relief, supported temporary accommodation and opportunities to participate in Dignity’s longer-term housing programs such as Ready To Work Housing.
Dignity currently supports three IHA residents in the Ready To Work Housing program.
Each year, Homelessness Week aims to raise awareness of the causes and impact of homelessness in Australia. In Australia, there are over 122,494 people experiencing homelessness on any given night.
We are taking this opportunity to share the latest facts and statistics about who is experiencing homelessness, why people become homeless and how, through collaboration, we can end homelessness in Australia.
1 in 7 people experiencing homelessness are children under 12
23% of people experiencing homelessness are aged between 12 and 24
1 in 5 people experiencing homelessness are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people
Only 6.2% of people without a home are sleeping rough. The rest are considered the ‘hidden homelessness’ – for example, this includes people in crisis accommodation, overcrowded dwellings or couch surfing.
People experience homelessness for many different reasons and no two stories are the same. So what are some of the reasons someone may find themselves without a safe place to stay?
52% of people seeking homelessness services say issues with housing or finances, such as the affordability of rent, are the main reason they need help
28% cite family violence or other violence and abuse as the main reason they need help
5% cite other family relationship issues
15% cite other issues
Collaboration is the answer! When government, homelessness support and other services, charities, businesses and the community come together, we can achieve so much more and this collaborative effort can end homelessness. To solve the issues surrounding homelessness people require:
Access to employment and adequate incomes
A home (affordable and accessible)
Freedom from violence and abuse
Effective support to gain and retain housing
At Dignity, we have a focus on programs that provide stable housing, access to employment and the wrap-around support needed to break the cycle of homelessness and empower people to find their path forward and not look back.
