LOTTEY WILLSHIRE
2017’s Homelessness Week focused on action through innovation as studies show Australian homelessness rates are rising.
Last week’s nation-wide initiative raised awareness for Australians experiencing homelessness and aimed to highlight the broad range of services available to those without adequate housing.
According to a recent Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute report, 1.3 million Australian households lack stable housing.
The report suggests a nation-wide affordable housing shortage is to blame and that figures could rise to 1.7 million by 2025.
The report also revealed that New South Wales and Queensland are home to the highest number of Australians in need of housing.
Home For Good CEO, Karyn Walsh, works alongside her team to provide sustainable living solutions for homeless people in Brisbane.
“Many people in Brisbane are struggling with housing affordability…As of June 2016, 15,224 Queenslanders were listed on the social housing register – 3924 are in the Brisbane region,” Mrs Walsh said.
The Queensland Government recently pledged $1.8 billion towards supplying more affordable housing.
Queensland Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, said the Government investment would provide thousands of Queenslanders with safe, secure, and affordable housing.
“Secure housing enables young people to finish their education. It provides the stability that keeps families together. And it gives people the secure base they need to get and keep a job…This $1.8 billion investment is a launch pad for opportunity and aspiration,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
Mrs Walsh believes the Queensland Government’s investment, in addition to Homelessness Australia’s focus on ‘action through innovation’ can help to reduce Brisbane’s rising homelessness rates.
“If we are going to get the results we want, we need to continue to be innovative – including planning and working collaboratively with each other and community organisations. Action and innovation require leadership and a solution focused approach which will bring in the skills, knowledge and investment of the private sector and community,” Mrs Walsh said.
If you are experiencing homelessness call Queensland Homeless Hotline on 1800 474 753