Family Homelessness

Family Homelessness

New research shows homeless families continue to struggle as affordable housing crisis deepens

New research into family homelessness by Hanover Welfare Services and Swinburne University of Technology shows an alarming number of families have their rights denied, struggle to obtain and keep affordable housing and have their human rights and dignity diminished when accessing homelessness services.

Swinburne researcher Professor Kath Hulse, who wrote the report, Fighting for my Family with Dr Andrea Sharam, said the research was unique in its longitudinal and in depth focus. 'The study followed the lives of 57 families experiencing homelessness over an 18-month period. The findings are based on 152 in-depth interviews with 57 families, interviews were held with parents and some teenage children. The research reflects the personal accounts of parents, literally fighting for their families."

'The evidence from the research indicates that even when the families' housing situations improved they remained vulnerable to future homelessness as homeless often left them with debts that were hard to address. Despite this hardship, the families were adamant about being a part of the mainstream and resisted being marginalised. They did not feel that their children received the kind of assistance needed to protect them from harm, which affected their sense of belonging Many of the families were re-traumatised by violence, predatory behaviour and coercion, especially when referred or offered accommodation which was unsafe," she said.

Tony Keenan, Hanover's Chief Executive, said the research showed that while a lot of work had been done to increase the support available to families many still struggled due to a lack of affordable housing.

'As the affordable housing crisis deepens we're seeing an increasing number of families doing it tough. Our research shows the underlying causes of family homelessness were unemployment, poverty and a shocking lack of affordable housing. Domestic violence remains a big factor in family homelessness, but for many families, falling behind in rent, being evicted and locked out of the private rental market are significant factors contributing to family homelessness," he said.

'We followed the experiences of these families over 18 months, and it showed very clearly the two issues we know are major contributing factors to the rates of homelessness in Australia: low income support and a shocking lack of affordable housing. In spite of significant adversity, the research showed that families doing it tough are resilient, and they remain committed to getting housing and supporting their families."

Mr Keenan said that Hanover is involved with a number of successful programs focussed on reducing family homelessness, and with continued investment, more families could be prevented from experiencing homelessness.

'We've made some great inroads in recent years in reducing homelessness, and we believe with continued investment and commitment from governments across Australia this important work can continue to make a difference. From further investment in programs aimed at preventing families from falling into homelessness in the first place, through to increasing the supply of community, public and affordable housing, we can prevent homelessness and create a brighter future for those most vulnerable in our communities," Mr Keenan said.