Everyone deserves a safe place to live

The cost of living. The risk of losing a home.

What public attitudes can tell us about preventing homelessness in Victoria.

Everyone deserves a safe place to live. Yet, when the cost of essentials rise, keeping a home can become harder.

Vinnies commissioned RMIT University to explore public attitudes towards homelessness, approaches to support and priorities for government investment. The findings show strong support among respondents for prevention, affordable housing and partnership.

Key findings:

• 65% said cost of living is a major cause of homelessness.

• 89% supported increased government investment in homelessness prevention programs.

• 91% supported increased government investment in affordable housing.

Three priorities for lasting change

Drawing on the research and our frontline experience, Vinnies is calling for action to:

• Prevent homelessness.

• Increase social and affordable housing.

• Invest in integrated community-based support.

Housing security belongs in the cost-of-living conversation. Keeping people housed is cost-of-living relief, and it needs a plan that lasts.

About the research

This snapshot presents selected findings from a survey of 648 Victorian residents, alongside Vinnies’ priorities for action. The findings describe participating respondents, rather than precise estimates of the views of all Victorians.

This is the first completed formal research project in the Society’s research partnership with RMIT University. RMIT has considered the Society’s five-year research agenda and indicated a strong interest in further collaboration to ensure our Strategic Advocacy Plan is underpinned by academic findings.

The research sits alongside the experience of the people we support and the insight of our members, volunteers and services. Together, these inform our priorities and the practical action we are seeking from government and partners, now and into the future.