Homelessness in Australia Jarryd Smith & Ryan Hennessy

Homelessness is a situation in which a person does not have a permanent place of residence. This is distinguished from nomadic cultures in which that condition is considered normal. Homelessness can be a consequence of globalisation, urbanization, political and religious strife, financial restraint and physical disability including psychiatric disease and drug/alcohol addiction. What is Homelessness?

Homelessness is a situation in which a person does not have a permanent place of residence. This is distinguished from nomadic cultures in which that condition is considered normal. Homelessness can be a consequence of globalisation, urbanization, political and religious strife, financial restraint and physical disability including psychiatric disease and drug/alcohol addiction.

On census night in 2001 the homeless population in Australia was 99,900 (ABS) 54% of the homeless population were adults over 24 years of age. 10% were under the age of 12 years and 36% were young people between 12 and 24 years. Less than half 42% of homeless people were female. The majority of homeless people in Australia were single (58%), while 19% were couples and 23% were in homeless families. Facts on the Homeless in Australia

On census night in 2001 the homeless population in Australia was 99,900 (ABS)

54% of the homeless population were adults over 24 years of age. 10% were under the age of 12 years and 36% were young people between 12 and 24 years. Less than half 42% of homeless people were female.

The majority of homeless people in Australia were single (58%), while 19% were couples and 23% were in homeless families.

On the 25 th of May 2000 Senator Jocelyn Newman introduced the first National Homelessness Strategy. The Strategy has four themes – Working Together in a Social Coalition, Prevention, Early Intervention, and Crisis Transition and Support. The Strategy will guide and shape the Commonwealth Government's approach to tackling homelessness. It also discusses that psychiatric disabilities are a factor for many of the homeless and the government is committed to spending $150 million on this problem. What the Government has done about the Issue?

On the 25 th of May 2000 Senator Jocelyn Newman introduced the first National Homelessness Strategy. The Strategy has four themes – Working Together in a Social Coalition, Prevention, Early Intervention, and Crisis Transition and Support. The Strategy will guide and shape the Commonwealth Government's approach to tackling homelessness. It also discusses that psychiatric disabilities are a factor for many of the homeless and the government is committed to spending $150 million on this problem.

Catholics follow the teaching of the Bible, which commands us to show compassion to the needy. Catholic Archbishop of Sydney, Cardinal George Pell said: "Like Jesus, we have to give the homeless food and shelter, but we also have to heal their hearts. This can only be done through love, which means through relationships. The poor are not just people we 'do good' to: they must also become our friends." (From 'Is faith without works dead? Pentecost message to the young people of Sydney 2004). Catholic Teachings on the Issue

Catholics follow the teaching of the Bible, which commands us to show compassion to the needy. Catholic Archbishop of Sydney, Cardinal George Pell said: "Like Jesus, we have to give the homeless food and shelter, but we also have to heal their hearts. This can only be done through love, which means through relationships. The poor are not just people we 'do good' to: they must also become our friends." (From 'Is faith without works dead? Pentecost message to the young people of Sydney 2004).

Our school like many others raises money and are linked to charitable organizations such as St Vincent De Paul and The Red Cross. These organizations put our money towards homelessness and many other causes. What our School does to address the issue?

Our school like many others raises money and are linked to charitable organizations such as St Vincent De Paul and The Red Cross. These organizations put our money towards homelessness and many other causes.

Everyday and night thousands of people are left homeless and neglected in Australia. We believe the Government should be offering more support and shelter towards these people and also putting more money towards this important issue. If all these things are done and along with the support of the church and schools around Australia then maybe nobody will have to go without shelter ever again. Personal feelings

Everyday and night thousands of people are left homeless and neglected in Australia. We believe the Government should be offering more support and shelter towards these people and also putting more money towards this important issue. If all these things are done and along with the support of the church and schools around Australia then maybe nobody will have to go without shelter ever again.

Bastyra, J. 1996, Homeless , Evans Brothers Limited, London, pp 7-10 Commonwealth of Australia 2005, Dept of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Canberra, viewed on 25 th February 2005, http://www.facs.gov.au ‘ Homelessness’, World Book Encyclopedia , Volume 9, 2005 edition, Chicago, pg 156 Bibliography

Bastyra, J. 1996, Homeless , Evans Brothers Limited, London, pp 7-10

Commonwealth of Australia 2005, Dept of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Canberra, viewed on 25 th February 2005, http://www.facs.gov.au

‘ Homelessness’, World Book Encyclopedia , Volume 9, 2005 edition, Chicago, pg 156