The number of working Victorians seeking homelessness assistance has reached alarming levels, with a 23% increase over the past five years, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s latest annual report.
This grim reality is mirrored across the Frankston and Mornington Peninsula regions, where nearly 14,000 Victorians have sought help in the past year. The report highlights that women aged 20 to 39 are the most affected demographic, seeking support at record levels.
Jeremy Maxwell, spokesperson for the Rosebud Community Centre, shared that the local region is experiencing a similar crisis. He noted that calls for assistance have reached a 44-year high. The requests increased by 39% in our region, Maxwell noted.
The soaring cost of living and the ongoing housing shortage are key contributors to this growing crisis.
“There’s a lot of people just hanging on for grim death, who are at risk of losing the housing that they have.”
— Jeremy Maxwell
Local advocates are calling for urgent action to address the housing affordability issue and provide more support to vulnerable individuals and families. As demand continues to rise, community services are stretched thin, working tirelessly to meet the needs of those seeking assistance.
This story was originally reported by RPP FM and repurposed by STPL News with permission.
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