"Homeless people are not the problem, they are the result of the problem"
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Homelessness 2022 (1-7 August) is an annual campaign coordinated by Homelessness Australia. It seeks to raise awareness around people experiencing homelessness, the issues they face, and the action needed to achieve long-lasting solutions, including increasing the supply of social housing.
In Australia there are over 116,000 people experiencing homelessness on any given night. Homelessness Week aims to raise awareness of the impact of homelessness on Australia via national and local community events, including providing information on the importance of housing as a solution and educating communities on how they can make a difference.
What can cause homelessness?
Homelessness can be caused by family violence, physical health issues (e.g. accident at work and bills pill up), loss of employment, under-employment or inability to gain a new job, limited housing / rental stress, drug and alcohol addiction, traumatic experiences, and mental health issues.
Homelessness and mental health
Sadly, people with mental illness are more like to be at risk of homelessness due to increased vulnerability, difficulty sustaining employment, and withdrawing from friends and family. The stress that comes with homelessness also in turn increases the risk of mental illness.
Living without a home can increase fear, anxiety, depression, sleeplessness and can lead to substance abuse as a coping mechanism. Having a secure home allows people with mental illness to focus on recovery and treatment. According to the National Mental Health Commission housing, homelessness and mental health are all connected.
At Risk of Homelessness or Experiencing Homelessness?
For referrals to Mission Australia’s accommodation services, contact your relevant state-based information and referral services directly on:
ACT - OneLink: contact 1800 176 468
NSW - Link2home: contact 1800 152 152
NT - ShelterMe: contact www.shelterme.org.au
QLD - Homeless Hotline: contact 1800 474 753
SA - Homeless Connect SA: contact 1800 003 308
TAS - Housing Connect: contact 1800 800 588
VIC - Crisis Accomodation Service: contact 1800 825 955
WA - Crisis Care: contact 1800 199 088
For further information about homelessness in Australia or if you want to know how you can get involved please go to Homelessness Australia’s websitehttps://homelessnessaustralia.org.au/homelessness-week-1-7-august-2022/.
