The rental affordability crisis continues to create significant challenges across Australia, with homelessness reaching alarming levels, as revealed in recent reports by Homelessness Australia and Homelessness NSW. In New South Wales (NSW), the situation is particularly dire, with the state recording the worst rental affordability rates.
PHOTO: New Ministers Debbie and Bryan Bartlett from Salvation Army Cooma.
Amidst this broader crisis, in Cooma, the Salvation Army is taking strides to assist the homeless. Debbie Bartlett, Corps Officer for the Salvation Army in Cooma, provides a glimpse of the local challenges: “Lot’s of people in the community are doing it tough and not enough people know it’s happening.”
The Salvation Army has recently opened “Our Community of Hope” on Vale Street, aiming to provide a welcoming space for those in need. Debbie Bartlett said, “We want to help address the issues such as people living in the National Parks surrounding Snowy Mountains towns like Cooma.”
“We are only just starting to make deeper connections with the community, but it has become apparent there are some issues that aren’t well known. We are working on plans and agreements that are suitable for the community, where facilities like showers that aren’t being used at a particular time of the day can be offered to people who really need it.”
PHOTO: PropTrack data revealed it’s harder than ever to afford rents in places like New South Wales CREDIT: Planning NSW
Recent data from PropTrack and the REA Group has highlighted an unprecedented increase in rental prices, making it increasingly difficult for residents to maintain their homes.
According to Homelessness Australia, this has led to families, who once lived comfortably within their communities, resorting to living in tents due to the un-affordability of housing.
Kate Colvin, CEO of Homelessness Australia, notes this crisis is not just about homelessness but also impacts mental health and social cohesion.
In New South Wales, the REA Group data indicates that Sydney’s median rent prices have escalated to $780 for houses and $700 for units, rendering the state the least affordable for renters.
Dominique Rowe, CEO of Homelessness NSW, explains that even high-income earners are being edged out of the rental market.
The root causes of homelessness, such as housing crises, financial difficulties, and family violence, are becoming more pronounced.
As political parties gear up for elections, both Homelessness Australia and Homelessness NSW emphasise the urgent need for substantial government intervention. Suggested measures include a significant increase in social housing investment and funding for homelessness services to ensure secure housing for all Australians.