Surging rents are creating more homeless families in Australia.

   * Rent rises of 10-20 per cent a year in Sydney
   * Rural poor crowding into capital cities
   * Early intervention is "critical" for children

A GROWING number of Australian families are being left homeless because of a shortage of rental homes and public housing, a study released today has found.   :(

The study conducted by the Wesley Mission says families currently make up at least a quarter of Australia's homeless population and possibly as much as a third.

Many families who wanted to access rental properties were unable to because of tight market conditions and real estate agents who "auction off" rental properties to get a higher price.   :(


Wesley Mission CEO Reverend Keith Garner said with the current limited supply of rental properties in Sydney and with average rental prices rising by 10-20 per cent a year, the situation was not likely to change quickly.

Dr Garner said the report’s findings about the rise in whole families confronting homelessness were alarming.   :(


"They are in our suburbs, sleeping on the floor in a relative or friend's house, sleeping in their care, living in a refuge after they've left a violent partner.

"They're mostly young, more often than not women, and they are almost always accompanied by young children.”

Wesley Mission public affairs manager Graeme Cole said the issue was compounded by the drift of homeless families from rural areas to the city in search of accommodation in capital cities.

"There is not enough accommodation for families in a lot of rural areas when the main breadwinner loses their job and the bills start adding up that's when we see the need for cheap housing that is not there," Mr Cole said.  

"The catch 22 is that people in search of affordable accommodation go to areas with high unemployment - the work is not where the accommodation is."   :(

The report also found that new homeless families were the worst affected because of a lack of awareness about options for support and the absence of "one, simple way to find appropriate help".

The report expressed concern that children in homeless families can often repeat the pattern they observe as adults. It warns that early intervention was needed so that the cycle of disadvantage and despair did not become entrenched.

More than half the adults surveyed for the report had been homeless as children.

“It is clear from these results that having a parent who has been homeless is a significant predictor of being homeless as an adult,” the report states.

“Poverty and alcohol are also common links, with more than half having had parents who had financial problems and issues with alcohol abuse.”   :(

The survey of 50 families found domestic violence was the most common reason for family homelessness, more than twice as common as relationship breakdown or divorce.

It also found 70 per cent of children over the age of 10 experienced violence or bullying, and half had encountered problems because of drug or alcohol abuse.

Sixty per cent had been arrested or jailed.

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Ray of Brisbane Posted at 7:33 PM May 04, 2011

   In order for government to provide more social housing...it has to collect more tax...as soon as the 'T' word is mentioned...Aussies freak out!!! And why do people who can least afford to breed...do so...without thinking about the consequences...and then expect society and the taxpayer to fund their lifestyle?

#
KerryA of Brisbane Posted at 4:12 PM May 03, 2011

   This is a problem that may never be solved. Even in the times before television and movie screens painted a glamorous 'cool' world that was easy to be part of, there was the alcohol fueled poverty that drove many teens to leave home. Those days, although tough, were still easier for teenagers as there was a good deal of menial jobs to be had even though the pay was not that good. Some were smart, found shelter, saved and eventually worked their way out of their misery, met someone and married. Others failed miserably, were jailed for crime, became ill and died young. The problem today is that the menial labour employment has all but gone, you got to have a good education and skill. Also another scourge has emerged to accompany booze in the form of drugs. Compounding all this is the lack of shelter for rent and expensive transportation. Alarmingly it would seem that Australia will see the desperate poverty once only thought to exist in the third world. For a great country like this, its so bloody sad.

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Jen of Brisbane Posted at 3:20 PM May 03, 2011

   People in search of affordable accommodation have to go where such accommodation is, they can't help it if that is a high unemployment area. How about government provide some government housing? Why has that been axed? Every Australian must deserve a roof over their head. Shame on our politicians.   ;)  

There is not enough accommodation for families in a lot of rural areas when the main breadwinner loses their job and the bills start adding up that's when we see the need for cheap housing that is not there," Mr Cole said.  

"The catch 22 is that people in search of affordable accommodation go to areas with high unemployment - the work is not where the accommodation is."   :(  

I just love the way that society first CREATES the problem, then

smugly and self-righteously blames the victims.

wrote on May 5^th, 2011 at 7:35am:

There is not enough accommodation for families in a lot of rural areas when the main breadwinner loses their job and the bills start adding up that's when we see the need for cheap housing that is not there," Mr Cole said.   "The catch 22 is that people in search of affordable accommodation go to areas with high unemployment - the work is not where the accommodation is."   :(

That's why rural and regional areas are overpopulated with people dependent on Centrelink. No work, but it is a far better and safer life than being poor and stuck in the city, and there are lots of good spots to sleep rough.

Ex Dame Pansi wrote on May 5^th, 2011 at 9:39am:

wrote on May 5th, 2011 at 7:35am: There is not enough accommodation for families in a lot of rural areas when the main breadwinner loses their job and the bills start adding up that's when we see the need for cheap housing that is not there," Mr Cole said.   "The catch 22 is that people in search of affordable accommodation go to areas with high unemployment - the work is not where the accommodation is."   :(   That's why rural and regional areas are overpopulated with people dependent on Centrelink. No work, but it is a far better and safer life than being poor and stuck in the city, and there are lots of good spots to sleep rough.

Indeed, these issues are complex - and way beyond the capacity of vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals and families to solve!  Hence, it is incumbent upon our privileged pollies to act in a non-partisan and forward-thinking manner...

Equitist wrote on May 5^th, 2011 at 9:49am:

Ex Dame Pansi wrote on May 5th, 2011 at 9:39am: wrote on May 5th, 2011 at 7:35am: There is not enough accommodation for families in a lot of rural areas when the main breadwinner loses their job and the bills start adding up that's when we see the need for cheap housing that is not there," Mr Cole said.   "The catch 22 is that people in search of affordable accommodation go to areas with high unemployment - the work is not where the accommodation is."   :(   That's why rural and regional areas are overpopulated with people dependent on Centrelink. No work, but it is a far better and safer life than being poor and stuck in the city, and there are lots of good spots to sleep rough. Indeed, these issues are complex - and way beyond the capacity of vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals and families to solve!  Hence, it is incumbent upon our privileged pollies to act in a non-partisan and forward-thinking manner...

I think a cutback in migration numbers for 2-3 years would be sensible. We have housing shortage/affordability issues, homelessness, unemployment, resource shortages (water, food) ...so what do the government do? Bring more people.. Dumb logic.

But ny move to reduce numbers is racist  isn't it Mr leftard.!

HC wrote on May 5^th, 2011 at 9:53am:

Equitist wrote on May 5th, 2011 at 9:49am: Ex Dame Pansi wrote on May 5th, 2011 at 9:39am: wrote on May 5th, 2011 at 7:35am: There is not enough accommodation for families in a lot of rural areas when the main breadwinner loses their job and the bills start adding up that's when we see the need for cheap housing that is not there," Mr Cole said.   "The catch 22 is that people in search of affordable accommodation go to areas with high unemployment - the work is not where the accommodation is."   :(   That's why rural and regional areas are overpopulated with people dependent on Centrelink. No work, but it is a far better and safer life than being poor and stuck in the city, and there are lots of good spots to sleep rough. Indeed, these issues are complex - and way beyond the capacity of vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals and families to solve!  Hence, it is incumbent upon our privileged pollies to act in a non-partisan and forward-thinking manner... I think a cutback in migration numbers for 2-3 years would be sensible. We have housing shortage/affordability issues, homelessness, unemployment, resource shortages (water, food) ...so what do the government do? Bring more people.. Dumb logic. But ny move to reduce numbers is racist  isn't it Mr leftard.!

Perhaps you need to redirect your animosity towards those who ware currently wielding the most power and resources to make the changes required - i.e. the big business unions who are serially-refusing to take on Aussies to train them up and are instead lobbying the Govt to import more foreign workers (and fee-paying foreign students)!?

Them and the Govt, who ought to refuse to facilitate the indefinite provision of foreign workers - unless and until the big business unions undertake to take on and train-up Aussies at a ratio of 2:1 to foreign imports...

We would not be in the current position of both acute and chronic skills shortages, if Govts had been firmer with the big business lobby over the past decade - and expended the necessary amounts on the education and training of Aussies - and the situation will not be improved unless the Gillard Govt and Abbott Opposition agree to implement a 'tough love' policy with business lobbyists...

After a decade of these entirely-predictable rolling skills shortages, it is time to tell the big business lobby: "tough shyte - you want workers, you start training Aussies!"

Equitist wrote on May 5^th, 2011 at 10:09am:

HC wrote on May 5th, 2011 at 9:53am: Equitist wrote on May 5th, 2011 at 9:49am: Ex Dame Pansi wrote on May 5th, 2011 at 9:39am: wrote on May 5th, 2011 at 7:35am: There is not enough accommodation for families in a lot of rural areas when the main breadwinner loses their job and the bills start adding up that's when we see the need for cheap housing that is not there," Mr Cole said.   "The catch 22 is that people in search of affordable accommodation go to areas with high unemployment - the work is not where the accommodation is."   :(   That's why rural and regional areas are overpopulated with people dependent on Centrelink. No work, but it is a far better and safer life than being poor and stuck in the city, and there are lots of good spots to sleep rough. Indeed, these issues are complex - and way beyond the capacity of vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals and families to solve!  Hence, it is incumbent upon our privileged pollies to act in a non-partisan and forward-thinking manner... I think a cutback in migration numbers for 2-3 years would be sensible. We have housing shortage/affordability issues, homelessness, unemployment, resource shortages (water, food) ...so what do the government do? Bring more people.. Dumb logic. But ny move to reduce numbers is racist  isn't it Mr leftard.! Perhaps you need to redirect your animosity towards those who ware currently wielding the most power and resources to make the changes required - i.e. the big business unions who are serially-refusing to take on Aussies to train them up and are instead lobbying the Govt to import more foreign workers (and fee-paying foreign students)!? Them and the Govt, who ought to refuse to facilitate the indefinite provision of foreign workers - unless and until the big business unions undertake to take on and train-up Aussies at a ratio of 2:1 to foreign imports... We would not be in the current position of both acute and chronic skills shortages, if Govts had been firmer with the big business lobby over the past decade - and expended the necessary amounts on the education and training of Aussies - and the situation will not be improved unless the Gillard Govt and Abbott Opposition agree to implement a 'tough love' policy with business lobbyists... After a decade of these entirely-predictable rolling skills shortages, it is time to tell the big business lobby: "tough shyte - you want workers, you start training Aussies!"

Fair enough equitist, but i still think mugration numbers are way too high in comparison to our own socio economic issues.

And yet you want to lose the First Homebuyers grant which helps young families get on the ladder?

Andrei.Hicks wrote on May 5^th, 2011 at 10:47am:

And yet you want to lose the First Homebuyers grant which helps young families get on the ladder?

Finance expert? Is it cheaper to pay off a mortgage than to rent? If they can't afford to rent there is no way they will even get a loan. We are talking about HOUSING AFFORDABILITY

Ex Dame Pansi wrote on May 5^th, 2011 at 10:50am:

Andrei.Hicks wrote on May 5th, 2011 at 10:47am: And yet you want to lose the First Homebuyers grant which helps young families get on the ladder? Finance expert? Is it cheaper to pay off a mortgage than to rent? If they can't afford to rent there is no way they will even get a loan. We are talking about HOUSING AFFORDABILITY

Then they are looking in the wrong place.
There are places out there within budget needs. If you can't afford it look somewhere else.
We did.

I often wonder if you guys really know what it's like to raise a family, run a home and make ends meet on a budget.

Some of the stuff you come out with, suggests you don't!

Andrei.Hicks wrote on May 5^th, 2011 at 10:53am:

Ex Dame Pansi wrote on May 5th, 2011 at 10:50am: Andrei.Hicks wrote on May 5th, 2011 at 10:47am: And yet you want to lose the First Homebuyers grant which helps young families get on the ladder? Finance expert? Is it cheaper to pay off a mortgage than to rent? If they can't afford to rent there is no way they will even get a loan. We are talking about HOUSING AFFORDABILITY Then they are looking in the wrong place. There are places out there within budget needs. If you can't afford it look somewhere else. We did.

Check out the national income data and you will find that housing has become unaffordable for most Aussies - no matter where it is situated...

Andrei.Hicks wrote on May 5^th, 2011 at 10:53am:

Ex Dame Pansi wrote on May 5th, 2011 at 10:50am: Andrei.Hicks wrote on May 5th, 2011 at 10:47am: And yet you want to lose the First Homebuyers grant which helps young families get on the ladder? Finance expert? Is it cheaper to pay off a mortgage than to rent? If they can't afford to rent there is no way they will even get a loan. We are talking about HOUSING AFFORDABILITY Then they are looking in the wrong place. There are places out there within budget needs. If you can't afford it look somewhere else. We did.

The growing number of people being left homeless are not in the same socio economic bracket as you and your wife. The homeless are coming from the under $40,000 a year salary, most probably where the bread winner has lost his/her job. It only takes 4-6 weeks from the time you lose your job until you lose your accommodation when renting. These people live week to week, there are no savings to fall back on because their whole salary was used in household expenses, and no they don't all have BIG tv's and flash cars, they usually drive a car that is at least 10 years old.

Andrei.Hicks wrote on May 5^th, 2011 at 10:55am:

I often wonder if you guys really know what it's like to raise a family, run a home and make ends meet on a budget. Some of the stuff you come out with, suggests you don't!

Irony, thy name is Andrei!

As evidenced by your posts elsewhere, you wouldn't have any idea how hard it is to budget for the vast majority of Aussie households - who have total household income of 1/4 to 1/2 of your household income and little or no savings to tide them over through extraordinary expenses...

Andrei.Hicks wrote on May 5^th, 2011 at 10:55am:

I often wonder if you guys really know what it's like to raise a family, run a home and make ends meet on a budget. Some of the stuff you come out with, suggests you don't!

Online Psychiatry
Mental Health takes to the Internet

http://www.brainphysics.com/online-psychiatry.php


Don't say I never helped you andrei

Pansi - Are you therefore stating that my wife and I, on one income and with two children - do not know what it is like to budget?!

Andrei.Hicks wrote on May 5^th, 2011 at 11:08am:

Pansi - Are you therefore stating that my wife and I, on one income and with two children - do not know what it is like to budget?!

No. I'm sure that even Warren Buffet budgets. He probably has no trouble in getting his budget to balance, with a little left over for a rainy day even. On the other hand, a wage earner on the minimum wage would have a little more trouble to find the money for the rising cost of living expenses.

Ex Dame Pansi wrote on May 5^th, 2011 at 11:17am:

Andrei.Hicks wrote on May 5th, 2011 at 11:08am: Pansi - Are you therefore stating that my wife and I, on one income and with two children - do not know what it is like to budget?! No. I'm sure that even Warren Buffet budgets. He probably has no trouble in getting his budget to balance, with a little left over for a rainy day even. On the other hand, a wage earner on the minimum wage would have a little more trouble to find the money for the rising cost of living expenses.

I am not quite sure we should be bringing in Warren Buffet.
We're talking here about everyday people.
I could not afford to quit my job. I am sure Mr Buffet can.

People make their own way in this world, if they are on the minimum wage they have not acquired the skills in a market driven supply and demand society to earn more than they do?
Now whose fault is that?
I spent 4 years at university and a further 3 studying for my CA.
Does that not explain why my budget would be slightly higher?

We all have tough decisions and pressure in life, it's how we respond and whether we have the 'stickability' as Mrs Thatcher put it, to knuckle down and work.

Now, we do budget, we live a different life to our pre-family days when we had 2 incomes and we budget quite well. We cant afford to do somethings we used to do.

That is life, it's about getting on with it.

Ex Dame Pansi wrote on May 5^th, 2011 at 11:17am:

rising cost of living expenses.

Good job the Greens and Labor want a carbon tax to increase everyday bills isn't it?

I mean, that'll help.

I blame the baby boomers.

... wrote on May 5^th, 2011 at 11:41am:

I blame the baby boomers.

Baby boomers are basically responsible for the shite place the world is in right now anyway.

A greedy, wasteful generation if ever there was one.

People go on about Gen Y, I don't think they are as bad.

... wrote on May 5^th, 2011 at 11:41am:

I blame the baby boomers.

I do too, and I am one.

Andrei.Hicks wrote on May 5^th, 2011 at 11:44am:

... wrote on May 5th, 2011 at 11:41am: I blame the baby boomers. Baby boomers are basically responsible for the shite place the world is in right now anyway. A greedy, wasteful generation if ever there was one. People go on about Gen Y, I don't think they are as bad.

No, we are all responsable. Until we stop pointing the finger and do something about it.