Estimating Homelessness in Greater Western Sydney

BY NIKI BAROY, SENIOR SOCIAL RESEARCHER, WESTIR LTD

Homelessness remains a global issue in the 21st century. In Australia, financial factors are a huge driver, for instance, poverty, unemployment, and housing unaffordability. Social housing supply has declined in terms of its share of all housing, and private sector rents have increased considerably against earnings growth. However, social causes, such as family and domestic violence, health issues, drug and alcohol abuse, and relationship breakdowns within the home, also contribute to short-term or ongoing homelessness. Because of this, it is crucial to investigate homelessness in Greater Western Sydney (GWS). This paper aims to understand the nature of this social issue within the region. It provides key demographic information about persons experiencing homelessness and persons marginally housed based on the ‘Estimating Homelessness’ dataset from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2021 Census of Population and Housing. It also presents information about from the Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS) Collection accessed through the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) for 2023-24. This paper seeks to assist local agencies and service providers in GWS in navigating the rapidly changing landscape of homelessness in the region.

Share this post
Copied!
Skip to content