Number of rough sleepers up 55 per cent as Australia grapples with a worsening housing crisis

A worsening housing crisis and skyrocketing rents has seen the number of people sleeping rough increase by 55 per cent since 2020 in NSW.

The Community Housing Industry Association NSW revealed more households across the state had been hit by the housing crisis, forcing people to live on the streets.

NSW homelessness street count numbers showed there were now more than 2000 people sleeping rough.

CHIA NSW chief executive officer Mark Degotardi said skyrocketing rental prices were placing more households into housing stress.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

news, australia, nsw news, tas news, number of rough sleepers up 55 per cent as australia grapples with a worsening housing crisis

The Community Housing Industry Association NSW found the number of people sleeping rough had increased by 55 per cent since 2020. NewsWire / Jeremy Piper Credit: News Corp Australia

“When people can no longer afford these cost increases, unfortunately many are ending up as rough sleepers because they have no other alternative,” he said.

“We really need to see the Minns government step up and put significant funding in the upcoming state budget to go towards building more social and affordable homes.”

CHIA NSW also found a jump in the number of people seeking priority social housing, which had increased 19 per cent in the past year to March.

news, australia, nsw news, tas news, number of rough sleepers up 55 per cent as australia grapples with a worsening housing crisis

Tents set up by homeless people in Brisbane. NewsWire / Dan Peled Credit: News Corp Australia

More than 8650 families and individuals had applied for priority housing between March 2023 and 2024.

“The priority housing waitlist is for people who are at imminent risk of homelessness but there’s nowhere near enough homes available to get people into,” Mr Degotardi said.

“On top of that, there’s a waiting list of almost 58,000 for social housing. Many people are languishing for more than a decade in some suburbs and regions.

“The not-for-profit community housing industry is ready to work with all levels of government to deliver housing solutions to get rough sleepers off the streets and vulnerable people into priority housing.

news, australia, nsw news, tas news, number of rough sleepers up 55 per cent as australia grapples with a worsening housing crisis

Everyday Australians have been hit so hard by the cost-of-living pressures that homelessness is rising. NewsWire / Jeremy Piper Credit: News Corp Australia

“Community housing providers have projects that are ready to roll but need the funding to get them started.

“The state budget on June 18 will be a critical one for the Minns government to show that it is serious about doing something to fix the housing crisis in NSW.

“The time for incremental reform and small budget allocations is over. A housing crisis needs a crisis response.

“Vulnerable families look to the June 18 budget with hope.

“We look to the NSW government to provide that hope with a sustained and significant funding package for social and affordable housing.”

The Premier’s office has been contacted for comment.

OTHER NEWS

19 minutes ago

How to watch Poland vs Netherlands for FREE: TV channel and live stream for Euro 2024 game today

19 minutes ago

Editorial: Cruelty to animals must be punished

19 minutes ago

How tax-free income and the personal allowance work

19 minutes ago

Sweet moment Kate Middleton and Princess Charlotte try to wipe away the condensation on their carriage window during Trooping the Colour

19 minutes ago

'Phil Foden's on fire - he'll be playing the Germans off the park': England fans' hilarious new song set to Bruce Springsteen's 'Dancing in the Dark' ahead of Euros clash with Serbia

23 minutes ago

Catherine Laga’aia joins Dwayne Johnson as Moana in live-action film slated for July 2026

24 minutes ago

German police shoot axeman near Euros fan zone during Dutch supporters march in Hamburg after he attacked officers

24 minutes ago

It's easy to believe young voters could back Trump at young conservative conference

24 minutes ago

Protectors, confidants, supporters: readers share stories of the dads that shaped them

24 minutes ago

Destination weddings: Are they cost-effective as travel becomes pricier?

27 minutes ago

Jose Riveiro: Orlando Pirates’ three points against 14th team must have same importance as a derby

28 minutes ago

Virgin Atlantic chief: ‘Jews are enduring a difficult period in Britain’

28 minutes ago

'Fabulous' River Island top and skirt co-ord is giving 'perfect summer vibes'

28 minutes ago

Orlando Pirates: Top target signs from PSL Rivals!

28 minutes ago

Lions fullback Quan taking the Bok by the Horns

28 minutes ago

Rangers submit strong offer to sign 21 y/o player ahead of Wayne Rooney

28 minutes ago

Self-care: why looking after No 1 isn’t always best for your wellbeing

29 minutes ago

Report: Donovan Mitchell Doesn’t Want Cavaliers To Trade Jarrett Allen

29 minutes ago

This Under-the-Radar Vacation Shop Has Linen Shorts, Maxi Dresses, and More Starting at $10

29 minutes ago

Telethon Mega Bingo: Emotional winner Kelly Nawal Bland goes from bushfire horror to winning major cash prize

29 minutes ago

ST subscribers and their kids become beekeepers for the day at bee workshop

30 minutes ago

Video: BYD Seal electric vehicle owner's embarrassing mistake on Perth's City Beach

30 minutes ago

Video: Footy star fights back tears as he reveals devastating personal news in emotional post-match interview

30 minutes ago

Kate Middleton embraced late Queen's 'stoicism and calm' as she showed 'confident determination, reassurance and support' during Trooping the Colour, body language expert claims

30 minutes ago

DEAR JANE: I fell head over heels in love with a man I met online - but when we met in person for the first time I was HORRIFIED

30 minutes ago

Late singer Zahara’s sisters also selling her awards

30 minutes ago

Brian Tee Has One Huge Condition To Return As Chicago Med's Dr. Ethan Choi

32 minutes ago

Mystery of how Stonehenge was formed deepens as new theory emerge

36 minutes ago

Location behind Kate Middleton's touching Father's Day photo of Prince William and their children is revealed

36 minutes ago

Virgil van Dijk is 12/1 with Sky Bet to score a header - as Netherlands battle Poland in their Euro 2024 opener in Hamburg today

36 minutes ago

Hippy-crack driver, 24, who killed cyclist, 56, as he inhaled laughing gas from a balloon while driving BMW with his knees is jailed - as horrific CCTV shows moment car knocks down nurse

36 minutes ago

New video shows England fan 'leading' chorus of '10 German Bombers' in the streets of Dusseldorf ahead of Three Lions clash with Serbia - defying police and FA warnings to fans

36 minutes ago

'Hardest Geezer' Russ Cook arrives in Germany for Euros after running 352 miles to support England - and predicts Three Lions victory over Serbia

36 minutes ago

'Is my mother still alive?': Hostage Noa Argamani's first words revealed after she was rescued by Israeli special forces - as dramatic footage shows daring raid on Hamas compound

40 minutes ago

General Election 2024 London seats: Who will be my MP in...Clapham and Brixton Hill?

40 minutes ago

How woke capitalists’ gravy train came to a juddering halt

40 minutes ago

Double Emmerdale exit confirmed as couple set to move away for good

40 minutes ago

European giants drop Greenwood for Sancho

40 minutes ago

T20 World Cup 2024: Super 8s fixtures, results, group tables

41 minutes ago

Cucumber Recall Update As FDA Sets Highest Risk Level