August 7 to 13 is Homelessness Week, a time to draw attention to the problem of homelessness and the solutions.
The theme of Homelessness Week, “It’s time to end homelessness,” is a reminder that it is within our power to achieve, if we band together.
We know the situation is dire. The persistent housing and homelessness crisis has escalated to an emergency. Rents and mortgages are rapidly increasing, and affordable homes are scarce.
The 2021 census found that 1 in 200 were homeless. These numbers keep rising.
Mission Australia’s newest report A Safe Place to Call Home revealed a 26 per cent increase in demand for our homelessness services over the past three years.
In a wealthy country like Australia, access to housing is a human right we should have no trouble guaranteeing.
Leading drivers of homelessness, including poverty, family violence, and the lack of affordable housing must be addressed.
Government, business, communities, and individuals all have a role.
Almost 1 million new social and affordable homes will be needed over the next 20 years.
Let’s all do our part to call time on homelessness.
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Isis Khalil
Mission Australia financial counsellor
Surry Hills
