The solution to ending homelessness is permanent, affordable housing. Some people who experience long term homelessness may need additional supports to end their homelessness. Most people simply need housing.
Only 7% of all people counted as homeless in Australia are ‘street homeless’ This represents no more than 8,200 people.
The Mercy Foundation has a special interest and content expertise in the issue of ending homelessness, better understanding all aspects of homelessness as well as its solutions. We believe the solutions lie in structural and systemic change as well as in effective housing and support responses. The Mercy Foundation is working with other organisations across Australia to support evidence based solutions to end homelessness for individuals and families who are experiencing it.
Addressing the root causes of poverty and issues of affordable housing are important structural factors that will solve homelessness for many Australians.
What does ending homelessness look like?
- Nobody will experience long term or chronic homelessness.
- Individuals or families in a housing crisis will have their homelessness prevented.
- If an instance of homelessness cannot be prevented, individuals and families will receive immediate crisis services and temporary accommodation and be re-housed as quickly as possible (Rapid Re-housing).
- Anyone who experiences homelessness will be assisted into stable, affordable, permanent housing as quickly as possible (Housing First). If they also need support services to help sustain that housing, this will be available (Supportive Housing).
- Housing First and Rapid Re-Housing will become ‘business as usual’ responses to homelessness in Australia.
- There will be an adequate supply of supportive housing options for the small number of people with complex needs.
