Homelessness in New South Wales is on the rise, with the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) census data revealing a sharp increase in the number of working individuals seeking crisis support.
The surge stems from an increase of housing market failures and systemic pressures, driven by soaring rents that have more than doubled since the early 2000s.
The Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore said the complexities of homelessness at an individual and government level has been worsening.
“Sydney’s housing affordability crisis is especially acute in the inner city, driven by high private rental prices, the lack of affordable rental housing, and inadequate social housing,” she said.
“Homelessness is a complex issue with no single set of causes and no single solution. Its impacts could be dramatically reduced in Sydney with commitment and leadership from all levels of Government.”
The Greater Sydney area accounts for 72 per cent of all of NSW homelessness, with the Sydney CBD hosting the highest rates.
According to the ABS 2021 census, men are more likely to experience homelessness.
However, between 2016 to 2021 women facing homelessness increased by 10.1 per cent compared to 1.6 per cent for men.
Brisbane based non-profit organisation Orange Sky, a laundry and showering service, has been set up to assist those in need.
Orange Sky senior operations manager, Elly Smith, said homelessness is multifaceted and a complex issue, that needs to be addressed at all levels.
“A lot of the time, it’s not one big thing that leads to homelessness, but a series of life events like a relationship breakdown, job loss, the loss of a partner, or trouble keeping up with the rising cost of living pressures,” Ms Smith said.
“Homelessness is a complex issue, one that cannot be solved easily, or in a silo.”
As living costs and rental prices continue to climb, many who lose employment find themselves unable to keep up, forced to choose between food, bills, and rent.
Illawarra resident, Paige Hirst has seen firsthand the impacts of unaffordable housing for young people.
“The cost of living is so high, and rental prices are through the roof,” Ms Hirst said.
“Being able to stay with my parents has been a huge relief—it’s not just about saving money; it’s about having that emotional and financial safety net.
“I know not everyone has that option, and I’m incredibly grateful for the stability it gives me.
“It’s heartbreaking to think that some students are forced to choose between their education and having a roof over their heads. We need policies that provide affordable housing options and support systems for youth.”
The pandemic and an increasing lack of affordable housing caused a steep rise in the number of people experiencing homelessness. by Finlay Smart
Additional Reporting: Anna Wright, Layney Britton
Feature image by, CBD News; Brendan Rees
