Working homelessness in Victoria rises 42 per cent in four years

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 28 Oct, 20:14 · Archive

More than 4400 full-time workers in Victoria received homelessness assistance in the past year, a 42 per cent increase over four years.

Homelessness among full-time workers in Victoria has increased 42 per cent over four years as record inflation and rising rents have made employment insufficient to guarantee stable housing. The Council to Homeless Persons (CHP) reported that more than 4400 full-time workers received homelessness assistance in the past year, accounting for 13 per cent of all people accessing homelessness services in Victoria. The crisis has spread to Melbourne's outer suburbs, areas typically considered more affordable.

Research by Everybody's Home found that workers on an income of $74,100 cannot afford private rentals anywhere in Victoria. Those earning $130,000 spend more than 30 per cent of their income on rent in Melbourne, a sign of financial stress. Women comprised more than 73 per cent of workers who received support in the past year, according to CHP's Employed and At Risk report.

CHP chief executive Deborah Di Natale said women earn less than male counterparts and face greater exposure to family violence. She stated that rising rents have stripped away the financial buffer many working people once had. 'Employment used to be a real protective mechanism for people,' Di Natale said, highlighting how the traditional link between work and housing security has broken down.

How it is being reported

• Victorian working homeless numbers surge 42 per cent amid crippling private rental crisisAlarming new figures have revealed why full-time employment no longer guarantees Aussies will have a roof over their head.The West Australian · 28 Oct, 19:44
• Victorian working homeless numbers surge 42 per cent amid crippling private rental crisisAlarming new figures have revealed why full-time employment no longer guarantees Aussies will have a roof over their head.Perth Now · 28 Oct, 19:44

In this story: Victoria · Melbourne · Council to Homeless Persons · Everybody's Home · Deborah Di Natale

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