Three leading causes of homelessness in Australia

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Homelessness can affect anyone, triggered by a range of circumstances that are outside of our control.

But first, what is homelessness?

Homelessness is a defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics as a lack of suitable accommodation alternatives. It is a problem in our communities that goes beyond ‘rooflessness’ and a lack of access to safe shelter. The experience of homelessness includes vulnerable people living in temporary accommodation, caravan parks or in their cars.

While homelessness is a complex issue that can affect men, women and children from various backgrounds, here are three leading causes of homelessness in our communities:

1. Domestic and family violence can lead to homelessness

Domestic and family violence— a form of violent, abusive or bullying behaviour —can force many women and children to leave their homes, often with no support and nowhere else to go.

In 2021-22, around 108,000 people who experienced domestic and family violence also required support from a specialist homelessness service. Of those people, 75% were females. ¹

Dee*, a mother of two young children informed her GP of domestic and family violence after four years of marriage to her husband. Her GP connected her with a domestic and family violence support service, which immediately referred her to one of Mission Australia’s housing services. With the help of staff, Dee was able to remove herself from the violent relationship and find refuge in a temporary accommodation managed by Mission Australia Housing.

Domestic and family violence is also a major contributor to youth homelessness in Australia. In 2019, Mission Australia’s Youth Survey Report report found that one in six young people who responded to the survey said they had experienced some form of homelessness.²

Without the proper care and support, young people may become involved with substance abuse and can face long-term homelessness. For thousands of women and young people in similar situations as Dee or Tim, facing homelessness can feel safer than living in a home where domestic and family violence is a reality.

2. Mental health is interrelated to homelessness

Mental illness and the experience of being homeless are often interrelated, affecting an individual’s self-confidence, ability to attain employment or sustain their tenancy. In 2021-22, around 82,500 people with a current mental health condition received support from a specialist homelessness service. Just under half of these people experienced homelessness and around 12% had nowhere to sleep.³

In Richard’s* case, a redundancy from his position at a government organisation had a significant impact on his mental health. The 62-year-old faced severe anxiety and re-entering the workforce proved more difficult than he imagined. Without an income, Richard couldn’t keep up with rental. When a Mission Australia homelessness service first met him, he was sleeping rough in the laundry of an apartment block. Read more about different experiences of homelessness in Australia.

The link between mental health and homelessness is also apparent in young people. In Australia, in 2021–22, around 48% of young people who received help from a specialist homelessness service also faced a current mental health issue. ⁴

3. Sudden life changes can trigger homelessness

No one is immune to homelessness. Unexpected changes in circumstances can trigger experiences of homelessness. Life events such as the death of a loved one, sudden job loss or relationship breakdowns can expose people to a chain of events that results in homelessness.

For thousands of Australians, the risk of losing their home is only one pay slip away. The high cost of rental housing combined with the lack of affordable housing options, particularly for low income earners, can force many families and individuals out of their homes with no place to live.

When the pandemic hit Australia, the financial disruption and interruptions to businesses and livelihoods was unexpected.

Identifying the leading causes of homelessness can help us break the cycle of homelessness in Australia. With a regular donation or one-off gift to Mission Australia, you can help us end homelessness and support people in need to thrive.

Learn more about homelessness in Australia and how you can help.

¹ AIHW Specialist homelessness services annual report 2021–22
² Mission Australia (2020): Staying home: A Youth Survey report on young people’s experience of homelessness 2019
3 AIHW Specialist homelessness services annual report 2021–22
⁴ AIHW Specialist homelessness services annual report 2021–22