Homelessness: stats are appalling

-The 2011 Census recorded 22,789 homeless recorded across Victoria
-40 percent of the homeless were aged under 25
-Almost one in six homeless were aged under 12
-145 people were recorded as ‘sleeping rough’ in Cardinia.
-A further 235 were identified as living in caravans or improvised homes or tents that were classified as homeless or roofless
– The number of people who are homeless in Victoria increased 20 percent between 2006 and 2011 and is expected to have increased since the latest census in 2011
-The highest proportion of homelessness is prevalent in South East Melbourne, most of them following the Pakenham/Cranbourne train line. Dandenong has had a 94 per cent jump since 2006 and local service providers confirm that Cardinia has begun to see the issues previously seen in surrounding areas.
-Demand for homeless services in Victoria increased seven per cent last year, and six per cent the year prior
– Professionals working in the sector state that figures are drastically underreported given the difficulty in reaching the targeted population on census night.
-Many homeless people do not use services and many others are turned away because their services are full, and in which case, are unlikely to make repeated attempts. Those people already turned away from services lack any form of contact address and can go without government assistance
-Nationally, more than half of all people needing immediate accommodation were turned away
-Wayss distributed $11,500 from their HEF into Pakenham in February and, on average, distribute $65,000 a month
-About 30 people present to Wayss a month, either homeless or at risk of homelessness.
-Affordable rental is deemed to be no more than 30 percent of the household income. For residents on low incomes or Centrelink benefits, there is limited affordable housing available in Cardinia.