Rough sleepers account for 1 in 5 of all people seeking support from Beyond Housing across the Goulburn and Ovens Murray regions, doubling from 1 in 10 just a decade ago.
CEO Celia Adams has described the situation as dire.
“These statistics reflect a chronic shortage of affordable housing and the impact of the ongoing cost of living crisis. People are living in cars, tents, and unsafe spaces.
According to the Victorian Government’s June quarter data there has been a surge in rental costs across the state, with regional Victoria’s median rent now reaching $450 per week—a 6% increase over the past year.
“While metropolitan areas face housing pressures, regional and rural communities are equally strained as rents rise, and housing becomes less accessible and affordable.” Ms Adams said.
“All levels of government must recognise that regional areas need their fair share of social housing investment to meet this growing demand and ensure that people in our communities have a secure, affordable place to call home.”
“What we need is a united commitment to tackle this housing crisis head-on.”
Beyond Housing’s 2023-2024 Annual Report, due out next week, will show that nearly 3,000 people sought some kind of housing support during the year, with nearly half reaching out for the first time.
Alarmingly, 42% reported mental health issues, and 348 individuals sought help after fleeing family violence. Older Australians are increasingly affected, with 1 in 8 people seeking support aged over 55.
“We’re seeing people in their 60s, 70s, and even 80s with nowhere to live. This rise in older people seeking assistance is particularly concerning,” Ms Adams noted.
Beyond Housing is calling on all levels of government to address the housing crisis with a coordinated, long-term approach.
“Local councils, state government, and federal policymakers each have an essential role to play,” Ms Adams said.
Local governments can support housing development by connecting providers with landowners, unlocking council-owned land, and offering planning incentives.
“By making land available and streamlining approvals, councils can expand housing options for those who need it most.”
The Victorian Government can accelerate affordable housing through planning reforms and developer incentives.
Federal programs like the Housing Australia Future Fund can provide sustainable funding for long-term housing solutions.
“We need to see all levels of government come together to make housing a priority that doesn’t fade after elections,” Ms Adams said.
“Models like Housing First, which provide stable housing and wrap-around support, are proven to work and should be expanded in our region.”
With over 300 homes scheduled for completion by 2026, Beyond Housing has already made significant strides, but Adams stressed that more is needed to meet rising demand.
“Our projects are part of the solution, but they’re only a start,” said Ms Adams.
“Real change requires all levels of government to make housing a sustained priority. We need a commitment to sustainable solutions that make homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring across regional Victoria, ensuring safe, secure homes to prevent homelessness from becoming a lasting crisis in our region.”
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