The most recent report by Modelling commissioned by Homelessness Australia has revealed a startling more than 60 per cent increase in Australians at risk of homelessness since 2016.

The report states 987,405 people in Victoria were at risk of losing their home on the back of a 23.1 per cent increase in rental stress.

Acting CEO Charmaine Calis highlighting the need for change and starts MASP remain committed to helping the homeless in the Mallee community and working with Governments at all levels to combat homelessness and disadvantage.

“All over Australia people are struggling with rental stress, low income and low social resources, and the Mallee community is certainly not immune to that,” she said. “People with two or more of these complicating factors are termed ‘at risk’ of homelessness according to Homelessness Australia – we need to see more investment from Governments to alleviate these pressures people are experiencing.”

“Across our service area MASP has been supporting more than 500 people a year over the past three financial years through our Housing Access programs,” Mrs Calis said.

“On top of that, since February we have engaged 60 people through our Assertive Outreach Rough Sleeper Program – these people in that program aren’t those ‘at risk’ of homelessness, they are very much experiencing it. As an organisation MASP welcomes the reporting of the figures to shed light on the crisis many are facing. We all need to work together now to create solutions.”

For more information on MASP’s Housing Access Programs, or if you are facing homelessness, go to https://masp.org.au/how-we-help/homelessness-support/

To donate to MASP’s programs, including Homelessness Support, go to https://masp.org.au/get-involved/donate-and-fundraise-for-masp/