We are grateful to announce the success of the Winter Appeal organised by Blackshaw Coastal in support of Campbell Page’s Youth Homelessness programs. This National Homelessness Week 7-13 August 2023, we celebrate the immense impact made by their efforts in providing vital support to those in need during this winter season.

Thanks to the unwavering support from our community, the Winter Appeal has helped more than 150 individuals and 22 families by providing them with essential food and warm goods. These contributions have undoubtedly made a significant difference in their lives during this challenging time.  These valuable donations helped to meet local people’s immediate needs, with 85% reaching recipients within the week.

As we observe National Homelessness Week, let’s also take a moment to reflect on some startling homelessness statistics in Australia. On any given night, 122,494 people experience homelessness, with one in seven being children under 12. Shockingly, almost one in four individuals experiencing homelessness are young people aged between 12 and 24, and one in five are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

Homelessness is not just about “rooflessness.” A mere 6.2% of people without homes sleep rough, while the majority of homelessness remains hidden in crisis accommodation, rooming houses, insecure housing, overcrowded dwellings, or couch surfing.

The demand for homelessness services remains pressing. In 2021-22, 272,700 people were supported by these services, but sadly, another 105,000 people were unable to receive help due to shortages of staff, accommodation, or other services. Every day, 300 people are turned away because the resources are overstretched.

Understanding the reasons behind homelessness is crucial in finding sustainable solutions. Over half of the people seeking homelessness services attribute housing or financial issues, such as unaffordable rents, as their primary reason for seeking help. Additionally, 28% cite family violence or other forms of abuse as the main cause, while other family relationship issues and other factors contribute to the remaining percentages.

To combat homelessness effectively, we must work together to provide those in need with three fundamental elements: adequate incomes, secure housing, and protection from violence and abuse. By addressing these critical needs, we can take substantial steps towards ending homelessness in our community.

We express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated in the Winter Appeal, and to Blackshaw Coastal for organising and running the Appeal, and we encourage all of you to continue supporting the cause throughout the year. Together, we can create a brighter future for those experiencing homelessness and pave the way for a more compassionate society.

Let’s stand united in our efforts to end homelessness. 

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