Homelessness services are buckling under increased demands for help as the number of Australians at risk of homelessness skyrockets.
In the six years between 2016 and 2022, the number of Australians in danger of falling into homeless increased by 63 per cent, according to a new Impact Economics report, Call Unanswered.
In 2016, there were 1.5 million to 2 million Australians at risk of homelessness, but in 2022 that surged to 2.7 million to 3.2 million, the report, released today, found.
READ MORE: Tracey was attacked at work. She lost her job and then her home
As part of the research, 23 specialist homelessness services were surveyed over two weeks in September 2024.
The majority were unable to cope with the overwhelming demand, with 83 percent of services unable to answer phone calls at times, 74 percent unable to respond to urgent emails; and nearly 40 percent of services forced to close their doors during operating hours.
"Demand for homelessness services has erupted and the system is so under-resourced that people who are homeless can't get in front of a worker who can help them," Homelessness Australia CEO, Kate Colvin, said.
"With more than three million Australians now at risk of homelessness, services are forced to close their doors, leave calls unanswered, and turn away families with children on one in five days."
A key driver was the 17.9 percent increase in people experiencing rental stress since the 2021 Census, the report found.
Queensland saw the biggest increase of all states and territories in the number of people at risk of homelessness, up 80 percent in the last six years. Western Australia also saw a higher-than-average increase at 77 percent.
The number of people in danger of becoming homeless in Victoria and New South Wales rose by 67 and 64 percent respectively over the same period.
READ MORE: Alan Jones arrested over indecent assault allegations
The biggest increase in rental stress was felt in the ACT at 31.3 percent, however this was the only state or territory to see a decrease in the number of its residents at risk of homelessness, falling 34 percent between 2016 and 2022.
"People who could have afforded private rentals just a few years ago are now resorting to couch surfing, sleeping in cars or pitching a tent," Colvin said.
Homelessness Australia is using the report to publicise its No one turned away campaign, which calls for funding for homelessness services to be increased, with a focus on prevention and the expansion of Housing First programs, so staff can respond to everyone seeking help.
