This document provides an overview of homelessness and homelessness systems in Australia. It defines different types of homelessness and notes that there is no agreed definition of chronic homelessness. It describes the mainstream systems that provide support for homeless people, including no right to housing but rights to universal health care and income support. It outlines the structure of homeless assistance systems, which are mostly non-profit and deliver social housing, hostels, and other services. Key programs that have been implemented over time are described, including SAAP and the reforms outlined in the 2008 White Paper on homelessness. Current strategies and new approaches aimed at reducing and preventing homelessness are also summarized.

1. Overview of Homelessness and Homelessness Systems in AustraliaFelicity Reynolds&Ian Carter

2. Definition of HomelessnessFor some years Australia has offically used a definition of homelessness devised by Chamberlain and McKenzie (he’s here!)PrimarySecondaryTertiary

3. Homelessness definitionsThere is no agreed definition of ‘chronic homelessness’. Often used: Continually homeless for 6 months or multiple episodes of homelessness for 12 months or longer.Rural/remote current discussions on rough sleeping.Australia does an official ‘count’ of homeless people at each census (every 5 years). This will happen again in August 2011. (David might like to comment). 2006 – 105,000 homeless.

4. Mainstream systems support for homeless peopleNo right to housing – although each State has public housing and community housing (but diminished in recent years – 4%).Right to universal health care (Medicare).Right to Federal income support – Unemployment benefit/Disability and Aged Pensions.

5. Structure of homeless assistanceMostly non-profit delivery (however, significant % government funded).Social Housing – primarily delivered by State government (starting to move towards greater community housing providers).Since 1986 SAAP was primary program that funded single homeless hostels, youth refuges and DV refuges and some other day centres etc.

6. SAAPData collection system co-ordinated AIHW (NDCA).SAAP standards were introduced within the past decade.SAAP has now been superseded since White Paper 2008. Replaced with Federal agreements with the States on homelessness and housing funding (NAHA).

7. White Paper – The Road HomeFirst major Federal focus on homelessness for decades.Feds driving agenda and States obligations for funding.Established PMs Council.Focus on Turning off the tap, Improving and expanding services and Breaking the cycle.Halve overall homelessness by 2020

8. White paper (continued)Offer supported accommodation to all rough sleepers by 2020.Before these dates – some specific targets.6.1 billion dollars over 5 yearsAdditional 1.2 billion as down payment on 12 year reform project outlined in White Paper. 0.8 homelessness services0.4 on supply housing

9. National Affordable Housing AgreementNow funds homelessness services as well as public and community housing.Other new initiatives include NRAS.

10. State funding obligationsStates to provide 50% of funding under NAHA (v similar to previous SAAP). States are obligated to meet outcomes, as agreed.Eg. NSW and WA now have state homelessness plans. Beginning to move towards Housing First and new models of service (eg. Common Ground and Foyers).

11. Current homeless assistance system (but changing)Hostels (Shelters) – up to 3 monthsTransitional housing – 3months – 18 monthsDay centres and information optionsStates – do some TA (eg. Families short term in motels). WA – family housing program.Generally these programs work ok for the majority – but have not provided long term solutions and haven’t worked for some.

12. Permanent supportive housingJust starting – not widespread and not well connected with multiple services (as needed).CGs in each State; Other Housing First initiatives (Project 40).Micah 50 lives 50 homes.Foyers (not perm but work to create stable housing careers).

13. New strategiesRefer – White PaperPSHHousing First approachesStreet to Home teams – all cities now (2010)Youth FoyersIntroduction of a ‘homeless flag’ at Centrelink‘Making ends meet’ (WA)NRAS (attempt at creating private investment in affordable housing). 8,000 over 10 years. Obliged 80% of market rent.