Find out about the Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS) collection: a new data collection to record new information on homeless clients (introduced 1 July 2011).
Homelessness in Australia
Homelessness is a complex issue, involving more than just a lack of housing. Factors that may increase a person's risk of becoming or remaining homeless can include:
- Structural factors:
- Poverty
- Unemployment
- Lack of affordable housing
- Personal circumstances:
- Discrimination
- Poor physical or mental health
- Intellectual disability
- Drug and alcohol abuse
- Gambling
- Family and relationship breakdown
- Domestic violence
- Physical and sexual abuse
Services available to homeless or at risk individuals
People experiencing homelessness may access a wide range of general government services, including:
- General health services
- Drug rehabilitation programs
- General community services
- Housing assistance