A new report has just dropped, and the findings are alarming.
The National Housing Supply and Affordability State of the Housing System 2025 report reveals that Australia’s housing and homelessness crisis is spiraling out of control, driving a wellbeing crisis that’s affecting thousands of people.
Homelessness Australia is sounding the alarm, urging federal and state governments to take immediate action to address this crisis. And with good reason.
The report shows that households are under increasing pressure, with rental stress on the rise, and a sharp increase in people stuck in rental stress for over two years.
The Human Cost of the Crisis
The most worrying aspect of this crisis is its impact on people’s wellbeing.
Renters in rental stress are experiencing worsening mental health, with many feeling the strain of not knowing how they’ll make ends meet.
And it gets worse – new data reveals that one in four stressed renters don’t have the savings to manage an emergency, putting them at risk of homelessness.
Kate Colvin, CEO of Homelessness Australia, summed it up best: “What’s scary about this housing crisis is there is no end in sight.
This report is the latest indicator telling us how bad things are. It’s affecting people’s mental and physical health, and it has to end.”
The Connection Between Rental Stress, Social Housing, and Homelessness
The report highlights the strong link between rental stress, lack of social housing, and homelessness. The stats are staggering – 280,000 people accessed homelessness services between 2023-24, and persistent homelessness and the unmet need for homelessness services are on the rise.
Homelessness Australia is calling for bold action to address this crisis.
They’re backing the report’s recommendations to boost social housing to 6%, with a long-term target of 10% of all homes.
It’s time for the federal government to take swift action and work with organizations like Homelessness Australia to turn this crisis around.
A Call to Action
Alongside growth in social housing, we urgently need increased government investment in homelessness services to meet the growing need for support.
No one should be turned away from the help they need.
It’s time for change. Let’s work together to provide all Australians with the stability and security of a safe, affordable home.
The wellbeing of our communities depends on it.