Action needed as one in three homeless Australians live with mental ill-health

Nearly 280,000 people turn to homelessness services each year in Australia, with a staggering one in three of these people also facing mental health challenges.    

National service providers are warning Australia’s homelessness crisis is worsening, as growing numbers of people are forced to rely on friends or family for accommodation or to sleep in their cars, cheap hotels or on the streets.   

Today, St Vincent de Paul Society National President, Mark Gaetani, made an urgent plea for action as the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference launched its 2025 Social Justice Statement, Signs of Hope on the Edge: Serving People Living in Homelessness and Mental Ill-Health.    

Released ahead of Social Justice Sunday on 31 August, the Society was invited to contribute to this year’s statement, which highlights the link between homelessness and mental ill-health, prompting renewed calls for urgent government action. 

'Service providers are being stretched to breaking point as more Australians find themselves homeless, many of whom are also living with mental ill-health,’ Mr Gaetani said. ‘We are calling on governments to fully fund much-needed housing solutions and wrap-around supports, and to stop tinkering at the edges.’   

The Society supports calls to increase funding of specialist homelessness services, increase the number of supported accommodation places and affordable housing, better connect mental health services with housing and homelessness support, and increase the rate of JobSeeker so people don’t have to make difficult choices between keeping a roof over their heads or accessing health services. 

‘While housing is the first, important step, it does not stop there. Case management is vital to helping people navigate complex housing, health, and government systems,’ Mr Gaetani said. ‘In addition to providing accommodation, the Society conducts assessments and referrals to counselling and support services and provides practical assistance through social programs and access to training and employment services.’ 

The Bishops’ statement shares stories like that of Michael, who has overcome homelessness and depression with help from Bethlehem House in Hobart, where the Society provided him access to accommodation, case management and community connections.  

‘Helping people transition from homelessness and mental ill-health challenges into housing and improved health outcomes takes time and resources. When we get all the settings right, people can achieve their full potential and have restored human dignity,' Mr Gaetani said.  

‘Wrap-around programs like the Society’s Bethlehem House in Tasmania, Together Home in NSW, Ozanam House in Victoria, and Housing Plus in WA integrate housing, health services, and community support.   

‘If you’d like to help, consider volunteering with a Vinnies soup van, finding out which local groups support people living in homelessness and mental ill-health, or raising these issues with your federal MP or Senator,' he said. 'Around 45,000 Australians volunteer with Vinnies every year and we always welcome more willing hands on board.’   

The ACBC’s Social Justice Statement is available for download at socialjustice.catholic.org.au  

For more information, read the Society’s Let’s Build a Fairer Australia booklet at vinnies.org.au 

The St Vincent de Paul Society in Australia consists of 45,000 members and volunteers who operate on the ground through over 1,000 groups located in local communities across the country.

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