A Budget Discussion Paper submitted to the NSW Government today reveals a dramatic increase in the number of working people seeking homelessness services across NSW, with more than 10,000 employed people already experiencing homelessness when they reached out for help in 2023-24.
The paper, which analyses previously unreported Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) figures, shows a 66% increase in working people experiencing homelessness in just two years, with young adults aged 18-34 most severely affected.
"These findings shatter the misconception that job protects against homelessness," said Homelessness NSW CEO Dominique Rowe. "We're seeing people with jobs sleeping in cars, couch surfing, or in crisis accommodation because their wages simply don't cover the cost of housing in today's market."
Key findings from the data include:
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Working people seeking specialist homelessness services increased from 13% of all clients in 2018-19 to 17% in 2023-24
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One-third of these clients were employed full-time
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70% of working clients are women
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Almost half (49%) are young adults aged 18-34
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Young working people (18-34) seeking help has jumped from 14% to 19% since 2018-19
The data also reveals significant regional variations, with Sydney's Inner West experiencing the largest percentage increase (16.3%) in homelessness service clients over the past year, followed by the Hunter Valley (11.1%) and Sydney's Outer West and Blue Mountains (8.3%).
"Working people in their 20s and 30s should be building their futures, not facing homelessness despite having jobs," Rowe said. "This is clear evidence that the housing affordability crisis in NSW has reached a breaking point."
The data also highlights the ripple effects of housing instability on employment. Working clients who were already experiencing homelessness when seeking help were more likely to become unemployed compared to those who were only at risk, creating a dangerous cycle of disadvantage.
Homelessness NSW is calling on the NSW Government to address this crisis in the upcoming budget through:
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A 30% increase in baseline funding for specialist homelessness services
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Targeted support programs for working people experiencing or at risk of homelessness
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Accelerated investment in social and affordable housing across high-need regions
"We cannot end homelessness without a robust service system and adequate affordable housing," Rowe said. "When even full-time workers can't afford a roof over their heads, it's clear our housing system is fundamentally broken."
"The upcoming NSW Budget is a critical opportunity to reverse this trend and ensure that working shouldn't mean worrying about where you'll sleep tonight."
For media inquiries:
Nick Lucchinelli 0422 229 032
[email protected]
