A 10 year study from AIHW data has revealed that the mortality rate for people seeking support from homelessness services in the last 12 months before their death was 1.8 times that of the general population.
Over the 10 year period, 12,525 people died within a year of seeking assistance from a homelessness service and the median age of death was just 49 years.
More than 10% of all deaths were women aged between 25 – 34 years.
Around 1,500 people are dying each year of preventable deaths, and that’s an increase of 60%.
Accidental poisoning and suicide were the most common underlying causes of death among SHS clients, accounting for around one-quarter to one-third of all deaths each year within the study period.
These statistics are shocking and unacceptable. We know that homelessness is detrimental to both physical and mental health and this is confirmed by the recent AIHW study.
Good quality, affordable and safe housing is fundamental for health and wellbeing. Homelessness is a national health emergency and should be treated as such.
