Social housing ‘solutions’ fall short of growing demand
People in desperate need of safe and affordable housing are resorting to couch surfing as the district housing crisis restricts availability for the most vulnerable.
That is the startling revelation from Homes Out West CEO Cliff Jones, who says demand for housing through Homes Out West has increased by 10 per cent in the last 12 months.
But with rentals at capacity and buying demand at an unprecedented high, Mr Jones said many are giving up hope of finding somewhere to stay.
And while there was an opportunity to ease the situation in the budget and its responses last week, Mr Jones said both the Federal Coalition and
Labor parties missed the mark on both building targets and spending.
The government announced $7.7 billion to construct 30,000 new social housing homes over the next four years in its budget.
Labor countered with a $10 billion spend in its budget reply, but said it would create 20,000 new homes over five years.
‘‘It’s not enough. That funding won’t make any inroads into the shortfall, let alone the increase,’’ Mr Jones said.
‘‘We were pleased to see that commitment but there’s a fair bit of research to say that would just see the status quo continue.’’
Mr Jones said the aim needs to be 15,000 new homes each year, just to meet the current demand.
And he warned what we are seeing now is just the ‘‘tip of the iceberg’’.
‘‘We’re struggling to procure rental properties for our clients because of the shortage,’’ he said.
‘‘There are a lot of people that have given up on applying because they know nothing is available.
‘‘Many are choosing to couch surf rather than continue applying, resulting in a lack of statistics.
‘‘That then makes it difficult for housing organisations to continue to advocate for the support we need.’’
Compounding the issue, Mr Jones said, is a reduction to welfare payments, which has occurred following pandemic stimulus packages.
He said it would force many low income earners out of private rentals, increasing the need for social housing.
Mr Jones urged anyone requiring assistance with housing to continue to apply through Homes Out West. Call the Deniliquin office on 5881 4182 to arrange an appointment.