By Kyra Gillespie
The rate of homelessness in Cardinia has gone up 52 per cent over the last five years, according to new data from the 2016 Census of Population and Housing.
The latest estimates reveal that the municipality now has a homeless population of 220 compared to the 144 recorded on Census night in 2011.
Steve Nidenko, Manager of WAYSS Outer South Homelessness Services, says these numbers can be largely attributed to the rising cost of living.
“We’re noticing a demand in services across the outer south due to people struggling to meet the general cost of living,” Mr Nidenko said.
“We’re getting more families presenting to us as homeless because they have fallen behind on the rent and other living costs.
“This poses the challenge to us of identifying affordable accommodation for them. It’s not widely available in Cardinia with rental prices continuing to go up.”
Housing affordability in Cardinia is a particular issue for very low and low income renting households, with 69% of low income renters and 86% of very low income renters living in financial stress.
Women, young people, and single-parent families are all highly represented in rates of homelessness in the shire.
“One to two bedroom units are fewer in this area, which limits options for single people, young people and single parents with one child.
“Their only options out this way revolve around shared accommodation which presents a big challenge, especially for single males coming through the system. They find themselves living with people that they have nothing in common with except for struggling to pay for their rent.
“They often find themselves with issues that are further exacerbated when living in those types of housing environments.”
An average of 10 residents from Cardinia Shire seek housing assistance from WAYSS per week, which is a 56% increase over the last five years.
Despite servicing a large catchment across South East Melbourne, 30% of all WAYSS Youth Support Service Contacts are from Cardinia Shire.
“The people that are most vulnerable are slipping through the cracks,” Mr Nidenko said.
“There are many people who are living in cars, tents, garages or couch surfing, who may not have been counted in the recent data.
“Unlike the city, there is more of a hidden homelessness out here. It’s occurring, but may not be as obvious because people are not sleeping in public.”
Mr Nidenko says early intervention is the key to combatting homelessness.
“I encourage anyone concerned about their housing situation to make contact with support services sooner than later.
“Make contact early to allow time for services to engage and intervene.
“It’s always more challenging if someone is homeless as opposed to having housing that has the potential to be saved.”
