The latest Productivity Commission Report on Government Services has revealed a 25% surge in persistent homelessness over the past five years, highlighting an urgent need for increased investment in long-term support services.
The data shows that 37,779 people experienced persistent homelessness in 2023-24, up from 30,306 in 2019-20. Persistent homelessness, defined as being homeless for more than seven months over a 24-month period, now affects more than one in five (22.5%) of all homelessness service clients.
"These are grim findings. More Australians than ever are trapped in long-term homelessness, and even those who find housing are struggling to maintain it without adequate support," said Kate Colvin, CEO of Homelessness Australia
The report shows that 10.3% of clients who secured housing through homelessness services in 2023-24 later returned to homelessness – representing 14,740 individuals who lost their housing despite initial success.
"Each day, an average of 208 people seek accommodation and are turned away empty-handed. Over the year, that amounts to 53,292 people – one in three of those needing accommodation – who received no housing assistance at all."
However, the data also reveals some positive outcomes. Services successfully prevented homelessness in 80.9% of cases where clients sought help while at risk of becoming homeless.
"We know what works, we just have to resource it properly. The high success rate in preventing homelessness shows that early intervention is effective. With sustained investment in support services, we can prevent people cycling back into homelessness and lay down the foundations of healthy, functional lives. "
