SPR30831 WLF SPA WhitePaper v12 - Flipbook - Page 24
Homelessness
What does the evidence say about homelessness?
There are more than 100,000 people who are homeless across Australia. Census data from 2016
reports the majority of Australians experiencing homelessness are male (58 per cent) and more
than 20 per cent were between 25-34 years old 99. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
make up one quarter of all Australians experiencing homelessness 100.
Individuals who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness are at higher risk of exposure to
COVID-19. Lacking access to basic hygiene and sanitation facilities, living in congregate spaces
such as shelters or encampments, and being more transient and mobile, prevents effective
monitoring, quarantining and opportunities for disease treatment 101.
Research reports that those experiencing homelessness have an increased prevalence of
chronic disease, comorbidities and a lower life expectancy in comparison to people living in
homes 102. Other factors that increase the impact of COVID-19 among people experiencing
homelessness include existing mental health problems, substance abuse, compromised
immune systems and limited access to support services 103.
Homelessness in relation to suicide prevention and mental health
In April 2020 the NSW Government announced an interim stop on evictions of residential tenants
by landlords for 60 days to assist in increasing support for people experiencing financial distress
during COVID-19 104. Banks have also declared a maximum six-month deferment on mortgage
payments 105. While these measures are welcome, they are temporary and provide only shortterm relief.
37.04% respondents believed that homelessness has been negatively impacted
in their community. Furthermore, respondents noted that although many people
experiencing homelessness have been accommodated in hotels, the concern is
around overcrowding in homes in remote areas and the strategy to maintain
accommodation post-COVID-19.
As explored earlier in this report, financial distress and insecurity are key risk factors for mental
health issues 106. The unemployment impact of the pandemic will have a long-term effect on the
financial distress and debt experienced and may place people at risk of homelessness once
government supports are withdrawn.
Wesley Mission’s Specialist Homelessness Services107 provide prevention and early intervention,
crisis intervention, transitional housing for up to two years, rough sleeper engagement, and
post-crisis support to vulnerable populations. They shared how their work practices have
changed to comply with social isolation and distancing measures. Individuals who had formerly
been housed temporarily in hostels and shelters including those that were rough sleeping, are
now accommodated in hotels 108.
Wesley LifeForce Suicide Prevention Networks survey109 reported 37.04 per cent respondents
believed homelessness had been negatively impacted in their community. Respondents further
noted that although many people experiencing homelessness have been accommodated in
hotels, there are concerns for overcrowding in homes in remote areas and the strategy to
maintain accommodation post-COVID-19.
Studies have shown that inadequate housing or homelessness is linked to poor mental health
impacts 110. Pollution, poor lighting, noise and less access to green spaces prominent in slum
settings can intensify mental health problems and experiences of violence 111.
Reducing distress in the community following the COVID-19 pandemic
June 2020
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