Each day 21 vulnerable Tasmanians’ calls for help go answered according to new data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
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The data, released this week, shows in 2015/16 one in 66 Tasmanians accessed specialist homeless services, and the state has seen a 5 per cent annual average increase in people accessing these services over the last five years.
Of those who did receive assistance, one in three were still homeless at the end of receiving support.
Shelter Tasmania executive officer Pattie Chugg said the system is overloaded, with demand for services outstripping capacity.
She adds a lack of affordable housing is driving people to homelessness, and preventing them from moving beyond it.
“More affordable housing needs to be available so that people can exit homelessness into long term stable, affordable, appropriate housing,” Ms Chugg said.
“There is a critical shortage of affordable, appropriate rental accommodation in Tasmania.”
Ms Chugg said the government’s Affordable Housing Strategy is vital to addressing a key cause of homelessness and providing solutions.
“Through the state government 10-year Affordable Housing Strategy we are working at addressing the causes of homelessness mainly through increasing the supply of affordable long term housing,” she said.
Human services minister Jacquie Petrusma said supporting vulnerable Tasmanians, including the homeless, is a priority for the government.
“The government in 2016-17 is providing over $24.3 million to Specialist Homelessness Services and Housing Connect across Tasmania,” Ms Petrusma said.
“We have also put aside funds under our $73.5 million Affordable Housing Action Plan for future improvement of crisis accommodation in Tasmania and to address gaps in the system.”
Ms Chugg said the possible axing of the National Affordable Housing Agreement by the federal government undermines the ability of specialist homeless services to support those in need.
“This uncertainty regarding funding for the sector is counterproductive, and stops services planning for the future,” Ms Chugg said.
“They keep people off the streets and alive, support women and children to overcome family violence and prevent homelessness every day.”
