More funding needed to reverse homelessness crisis

St Vincent de Paul Society is urging the Australian Government to fully fund homelessness services, ensuring no one is left without help when they need it, ahead of Homelessness Week 2025 (4–10 August). 

This year’s theme, “Homelessness Action Now,” underscores the urgent need for decisive government action to reverse Australia’s homelessness crisis and properly resource frontline services. 

‘The lack of accessible and affordable housing is the main driver of the nation’s homelessness crisis,’ said St Vincent de Paul Society National President, Mark Gaetani. ‘While we wait for those in power to take real action to tackle the causes of homelessness, demand for frontline services continues to grow.’ 

Over 122,000 Australians are homeless on any given night; many are escaping domestic and family violence, and nearly one in four is a young person aged 12 to 24 years (ABS Census 2021).  

The Society provides a wide range of housing and accommodation options across every state and territory, including specialist homelessness services, short-term crisis accommodation, transitional housing, medium to longer-term community housing, and accessible housing for people with disability. 

‘Too many Australians are just one life event away from housing stress – losing a job, falling ill, becoming a carer, ending a relationship, being on a temporary visa, or experiencing family and domestic violence,’ Mr Gaetani explained. 

When housing stress turns into homelessness, St Vincent de Paul Society is ready to help with immediate supports and to assist with finding long-term solutions. More than providing a bed for the night, wraparound services are essential to help people move forward and to avoid returning to homelessness. 

As well as delivering crisis support including food, clothing and accommodation for those at risk of or experiencing homelessness, the Society offers or refers people to education, drug and alcohol, and mental health services, alongside youth and family support programs.  

“Every day, we see that with the right support, people can stay housed and rebuild their lives,” Mr Gaetani said. He emphasised the Society’s belief that experiencing homelessness or housing stress robs people of their human dignity and limits their life potential.  

‘Secure housing lifts people out of poverty and leads to better outcomes in health, education, employment, and social participation. We look forward to all our governments acting faster to build more affordable accommodation. Access to secure affordable housing coupled with wraparound support services save around $13,100 per person annually in government services,' he said.  

‘The time for real action to reverse Australia’s homelessness crisis is now.’ 

For more information, read Let’s Build a Fairer Australia 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.

MEDIA CONTACT
0475 068 209 or media@svdp.org.au