Homeless rate rise a cold, alarming fact

Data from the Northern Tasmanian organisation’s impending annual report shows the average occupancy rate of its adult male crisis accommodation facility, Orana House, was 94 per cent, with between 10 and 30 men turned away each month.

More than 100 more men accessed the facility than in the same period the previous year and 336 new clients approached City Mission for emergency relief.

More than 13,000 meals were given to homeless people at Orana House alone in 2014-15.

‘‘That’s a lot of people,’’ City Mission community relations and fundraising manager Brian Roach said.

‘‘Homelessness is still a problem.’’

The latest figures from Homelessness Australia show more than 1500 homeless people are Tasmanians.

Almost one-third were homeless as a result of accommodation issues, with 26 per cent homeless as a result of domestic violence and relationship issues.

Tasmanian Council of Social Service chief executive Kym Goodes said long-term unemployment and underemployment were significant factors in explaining the increase in Tasmanians accessing charity services.

The federal government’s Tasmanian Labour Market Review for June 2015 showed that although the unemployment rate had remained relatively steady, long-term unemployment had increased by 5 per cent on the previous year.

Ms Goodes said it was heartening that the state government had employment as a focus but said the complex issue required a whole-of-community, whole-of-government approach.

Acting Human Services Minister Michael Ferguson said the government was working at creating employment opportunities and assisting people through an extension of the National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness.

‘‘But there’s a lot more to do,’’ Mr Ferguson said.

‘‘That’s why the Liberal government’s recent budget focused on job creation and job-creating projects, particularly in Northern Tasmania,’’ he said.