One in four Australians fear becoming homeless, as the cost of living crisis continues to squeeze the country.
The Salvation Army’s sentiment tracker found 25 per cent of people were worried about losing their home, while new research revealed it was even worse among those doing it tough.
The Salvos also surveyed 1500 people who had accessed financial relief support and found that 71 per cent were living in housing stress.
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A third – 33 per cent – were behind on paying their rent, with nearly three-quarters (74 per cent) of that category behind by up to four weeks.
About 19 per cent have had to couch-surf or live in their car due to financial hardship.
”Our research already shows that it is an issue not just affecting those who are homeless but the public at large,” Salvation Army general manager policy and advocacy Jennifer Kirkaldy said.
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The Salvos are asking people during Homelessness Week (August 5-11) to take an online survey as they try to gauge the national mood.
“The survey we are running will further investigate the issue and give an insight into just how profound and far-reaching the issue is and what can actively be done to make a difference,” Kirkaldy said.
In the past year the Salvation Army has provided more than 1.2 million nights of accommodation to people in need.
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They have also provided more than 3000 people with housing.
“We also cater to those for whom the impact of experiences of homelessness is amplified such as people over 55 years and accompanying children,” Salvation Army general manager of homelessness Dr Jed Donoghue said.
“For example, 48,850 children and young people are without a home on any night in this country. It is a statistic that should be in the front of mind for every Australian because it will take all of us to turn this around.”
People interested in helping the Salvation Army fight homelessness can check out the organisation’s Everybody’s Home campaign here.
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