With more than half of the Central Coast’s population experiencing housing stress, the St Vincent de Paul Society is pushing for the provision of more social housing and affordable housing and income relief during Homelessness Week (August 7-13).
Regional Director Operations for Broken Bay, which covers the Central Coast from Woy Woy to Wyong, Ashvini Ambihaipahar, said St Vinnies had helped 6,900 Central Coast residents over the past year- a 2.6 per cent increase on the previous 12 months.
“The causes are multi factorial,” she said.
“Cost of living pressure is the main driver, and access to affordable housing is difficult statewide.
“This is putting a lot of pressure on specialist services and we are really stretched to capacity.
“Another problem is that income support payments are inadequate.
“We will always find ways to support where we can but it gets very difficult.
“Our work is underpinned by volunteers and members and we do the best we can.”
Ambihaipahar said 51 percent of residents on the Central Coast were reporting being under housing stress – often a precursor to homelessness.
“That is above the state average of 46 percent,” she said.
“Rental affordability is a major factor and we urge all levels of government to invest in social and affordable homes and to address adequate incomes.”
The theme for this year’s Homelessness Week is It’s time to End Homelessness.
“All over the country, requests for assistance are increasing and we are seeing people who have previously never sought our help,” St Vinnies National President Mark Gaetani said.
“More and more people are seeking emergency relief to cover the basics, such as food vouchers, while they prioritise accommodation costs over other essentials.
“These are choices Australians should not have to make.”
He said the cost of living and the growing housing crisis were increasing the risk of homelessness.
“Many more people are contacting the society for help with rental arrears to avoid eviction,” he said.
“Others are couch surfing, living in tents and caravan parks, or forced to seek emergency accommodation.
“With more than 122,000 people homeless each night, we need all governments to act now.”
Terry Collins