Homelessness services across the nation are unable to meet demand due to the current funding levels, new findings have found.
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An inquiry into the funding and delivery of programs to reduce homelessness from the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute, released on Friday, found governments across the nation funded about 85 per cent of homelessness services.
But services are struggling to keep up with demand, with only one third able to keep up with client demand on their current funding.
The inquiry’s recommendations included greater stability of government funding and early intervention strategies to reduce homelessness.
University of Tasmania Housing and Community Research Unit director Daphne Habibis, who helped author the report, said homelessness was increasing at the same time as homelessness funding was “scarcer and also more precarious”.
“Funding for homelessness services in all Australian states and territories is inadequate,” Dr Habibis said.
“Homelessness is a really serious problem … it has a very large impact on physical and mental health and general well-being, it impacts on social inclusion, it impacts on the person’s safety.”
Human Services Minister Jacquie Petrusma said the government was already investing into crisis and supported accommodation.
The government’s $73.5 million Affordable Housing Strategy includes the Hobart Women’s Shelter and Rapid Rehousing.
"[The] strategy will deliver affordable housing options for 1600 Tasmanian households including 900 additional homes for those in need,” Ms Petrusma said.