The Prince Charles Hospital Early Education Centre

Join my mission to help end homelessness in Australia!

The Prince Charles Hospital Early Education Centre is continuously exploring avenues to strengthen our ties with the community. Lately, we've observed the challenges families face due to the escalating cost of living, impacting both individuals and those around us. One pressing issue is the looming threat of homelessness or its actual occurrence among members of our community and nationwide.

To foster greater awareness and extend support, our educators will be actively involved in Homelessness Week. On Friday August 9th, 2024, the educators will immerse themselves with the experience of homelessness by wearing only the clothes on their back, and a few blankets for the evening. This initiative aims not only to raise funds but also to elevate consciousness about this critical issue. All proceeds will be directed to the charitable organisation, Mission Australia.

https://act.missionaustralia.com.au/fundraisers/katiemclaren/the-prince-charles-hospital-early-education-centre

What is homelessness?

Homelessness refers to the state of lacking a stable, safe, and adequate place to live. It's a condition where individuals or families don't have a permanent residence and often have to resort to temporary shelters, living on the streets, or other inadequate housing situations. According to The Australian Bureau of Statistics defines homelessness as affecting a person who does not have suitable accommodation alternatives, and their current living arrangement:

• is in a dwelling that is inadequate; or

• has no tenure, or if their initial tenure is short and not extendable; or

• does not allow them to have control of, and access to space for social relations

A home is not just somewhere with roof walls and a roof. It is a place where people can feel safe and secure. Access to safe and secure housing is a basic human right but unfortunately many people in Australia live in temporary dwellings such as refuges, crisis accommodations or motels. This definition of homelessness emphasises a lack of core elements of a ‘home’ including a sense of security, stability, privacy, safety, and the ability to control living space.

Five shocking stats about homelessness in Australia:

1.      There are over 122,000 people experiencing homelessness on any given night

2.      Only 6 percent of people who are homeless sleep on the streets

3.      Domestic and family violence is one of the main reasons why people experience homelessness

4.      In Australia, one in seven people experiencing homelessness are over 55 years

5.      Over 17,600 children younger than 12 years are homeless

What causes homelessness?

Life can be unexpected and is full of circumstances outside of our control. People who do not have strong support systems or are in financial, emotional or physical strain can be more vulnerable to losing their homes.

Common causes of homelessness are:

• Domestic and family violence

• Sudden life changes that trigger homelessness

• Lack of affordable and social housing

• Mental health challenges

What is the leading cause of homelessness in Australia?

·         In Australia, domestic and family violence (DFV) is one of the main drivers of homelessness in Australia.

·         Sadly, many children, women and men have experienced or have witnessed abusive and violent behaviour towards a partner, former partner or family member. DFV extends beyond physical violence, and can involve actions intended to control, humiliate or scare the other person or people in the household.

·         When victim/survivors decide to leave a violent household, it often means leaving their home and belongings behind. After years of control and abuse their capacity to find new housing is limited. Act against DFV by learning about the common facts.

Domestic and family violence statistics in Australia:

• Domestic and family violence was the main reason why more than 72,900 people sought assistance from a specialist homelessness service last year.

• One in six women, compared to 1 in 16 men, have experienced physical or sexual violence by a current or former partner

• 39% (or 108,000) of people seeking help from specialist homelessness services in 2021-22 had reported experienced domestic and family violence.

• On average, one woman is killed every nine days by a current or former partner. One man is also killed every 29 days. 

• Indigenous people were 32 times more likely to be hospitalised for family violence as non-Indigenous people

• Approximately 2.5 million Australian adults (13%) experienced abuse during their childhood; the majority knew the perpetrator and experienced multiple incidents of abuse

What causes homelessness in older people?

Homelessness among older people is a growing problem in Australia. With an ageing population and the increased cost of home ownership this problem is expected to get worse. Factors such as domestic violence, relationship breakdown, financial difficulty and limited superannuation can make people more vulnerable to homelessness.

Certain groups may be at a higher risk of homelessness, such as veterans, Indigenous people and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Facts about older people facing homelessness:

• One in seven people who were homeless on census night in 2021 were aged 55 and over. 

• On any given night, around 19,300 people aged 55 and above are homeless. 

• Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people make up eight percent of older people experiencing homelessness. 

Why are young people homeless?

·         For young people, homelessness is not a choice but can feel like the only option. Unstable home environments can force young people to leave their family home without a safe place to go.

·         Neglect, family breakdown, substance abuse, poor living conditions, unemployment, death of a guardian or loved one, or lack of support when leaving state care can hinder their ability to maintain housing and thrive in their adult lives.

Homelessness has long term effects on a young person’s health and wellbeing and impact their mental health, education, and connection with community.

Youth homelessness facts:

• 19% of people seeking help from specialist homelessness services last year were 15–24 years, with almost twice as many females (66%) compared to males (34%).

• One in six young people surveyed in Mission Australia's 2019 Youth Survey have experienced homelessness 

• Top reasons young people sought assistance from homelessness services were:
  • 19% housing crisis

  • 16% Family and domestic violence

  • 12% relationship/family breakdown 

We're raising funds to end homelessness, but I need your help. 

On any given night more than 122,000 Australians - including over 17,500 children under twelve - don't have a safe place to call home. This statistic has risen almost 14% in the past 5 years, and in a wealthy nation like ours I think this is unacceptable.

Australians desperately need our support, and so this year I'm raising money to support Mission Australia and I'd love your help.

Please sponsor me and support those at risk or experiencing homelessness.

Every bit counts, so please give what you can. Together, we stand with Australians in need, until they can stand for themselves.