As the housing crisis deepens across Australia's suburbs, local councils now have a new tool to help them manage and prevent homelessness in their communities.
Ending homelessness: a toolkit for local government is an evidence-based resource developed by the Centre for Social Impact at Flinders University , providing guidance for councils on responding to disaster-related homelessness, information on culturally safe responses, and ideas on how local government can play a role in ending homelessness.
On any given night, 122,494 people in Australia are experiencing homelessness. One in seven people experiencing homelessness are children under 12 , and 23 per cent of people experiencing homelessness (almost one in 4) are children and young people between 12 and 24.
Associate Professor Selina Tually, Deputy Director of CSI Flinders, said rising financial stress and lack of affordable housing had driven levels of homelessness to new heights in communities across Australia - and councils were often on the frontline providing local services and support to those who need it most.
"The scale of the current housing crisis means that councils are seeing more people experiencing or at risk of homelessness - often in areas where this was not visible before," she said.
"While some people sleeping rough are highly visible, others hide away. Most people experiencing homelessness in Australia are hidden to some extent, or completely, from public view, but they are there and need support.
"This toolkit is an accessible and practical resource to support councils in this critical area, whether they are taking early steps toward a formal strategy, engaging with other levels of government and external stakeholders, or are already actively working to help end homelessness."
The Centre for Social Impact at Flinders University has developed the toolkit in consultation with LGA South Australia, councils and stakeholders advancing efforts to end homelessness in SA, nationally and beyond. The toolkit has also been supported by the South Australian Alliance to End Homelessness.
LGA South Australia CEO Clinton Jury said the toolkit, which considers both regional and metropolitan challenges, was a valuable new resource for councils seeking more information and ideas on tackling homelessness in their communities.
"Having safe, stable and appropriate housing is the foundation for essential elements like good physical and mental health, employment, education and family - but we know more adults and children are rough sleeping, couch surfing, in crisis accommodation or in precarious housing arrangements than ever before," he said.
"Of all the levels of government, local councils are closest to the communities they serve and have a deep understanding of the needs of their community.
"To build even stronger communities, we need to tackle homelessness from multiple angles, and being armed with information and resources like this toolkit, councils can be well-placed to advocate for supports and policy-making based on local priorities and needs."
City of Victor Harbor Mayor Dr Moira Jenkins said the toolkit would be a helpful reference for councils as they worked with other levels of government and service providers to address homelessness in local areas.
"Like many regional areas, homelessness has been a hidden problem in Victor Harbor, but as a council we cannot ignore it," she said. "The critical lack of housing has become a major issue in the Fleurieu Peninsula as it is across Australia, leaving people sleeping in cars and drifting between caravan parks.
"We're particularly concerned about the growing numbers of older women and young people experiencing homelessness - it really affects everyone. We need to raise the profile of homelessness being a problem and do something about it."
Interview availability
- A/Professor Selina Tually, Deputy Director, Centre for Social Impact Flinders University
- Clinton Jury, CEO, LGA South Australia
- Dr Moira Jenkins, Mayor, City of Victor Harbor
