Homelessness Crisis: Nearly 1 Million Victorians at Risk Amid Bushfire Threats

Victoria’s homelessness crisis has reached critical levels, with nearly one million people at risk and bushfire warnings adding urgency. Overstretched services are turning away 29% of those seeking help. The Council to Homeless Persons calls for a $5 million investment in outreach to prevent tragedies, especially in remote areas. The Call Unanswered report highlights a 67% rise in homelessness risk since 2016, exacerbated by rental stress and insufficient funding. Immediate action is needed to support vulnerable communities.

The homelessness crisis in Victoria has reached alarming levels, with almost one million people at risk, a 67% increase since 2016, according to the Call Unanswered report by Impact Economics. Compounding the issue, bushfire warnings across the state have highlighted the vulnerability of those experiencing homelessness, particularly in remote areas.

The Council to Homeless Persons (CHP) is urging the Victorian Government to invest $5 million in additional outreach infrastructure to prevent potential tragedies this summer. The urgency is heightened as the Rough Sleeping Action Plan, which provides some outreach services, is set to expire in June 2025.

CHP CEO Deborah Di Natale warned:

“With insufficient funding, services are unable to meet demand, leaving people to fall through widening cracks during one of the worst rental crises in history.”

Rental stress has increased 23.1% statewide since 2021, with Melbourne experiencing a 27.2% rise. Overburdened services have been forced to turn away nearly 30% of those seeking help, leaving many without support during a time of crisis.

Between 2016 and 2022, Victoria saw the most significant change in the number of people at risk of homelessness, rising from 591,000 to 987,000 – a 67 per cent increase.

Dr Angela Jackson, author of the report, underscored the immediate need for action:

“We need to address structural issues but also increase support today to deal with the current crisis.”

For more information, visit Council to Homeless Persons.

Elements of this story was originally reported by RPP FM and repurposed by STPL News with permission.

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