Everyone Deserves a Place to Call Home

Homelessness in NSW is a Human Rights Issue

A safe, secure home is more than a roof over someone’s head. It is the foundation for health, safety, belonging and opportunity. Yet across New South Wales, thousands of people are experiencing homelessness or living in unsafe and insecure housing. Many are families, young people, First Nations peoples, people escaping violence, and individuals facing rising living costs. While homelessness is often associated with rough sleeping, the reality is far broader and frequently hidden. Many people are living in overcrowded homes, couch surfing between friends and relatives, or staying in temporary accommodation with no permanent place to call home.

At Marist180, we see firsthand the impact that housing insecurity has on individuals, families and communities. Behind every statistic is a person seeking stability, dignity and hope for the future.

Homelessness is Solvable

Housing is an essential need for everyone. With suitable housing options and properly funded services, we can ensure everyone has a place to call home and the support they need to stay there. Homelessness is not inevitable. It is often the result of systems that are under strain and unable to respond early enough. When people can access support before they reach crisis point, and when affordable housing is available, homelessness can be prevented.

That's why we need action in three key areas: ensuring people can access the right support when they need it, increasing the supply of social and affordable housing, and building greater community understanding of the solutions that work.

A Growing Crisis Across NSW

The housing crisis is placing increasing pressure on communities throughout New South Wales. Recent data shows that specialist homelessness services are stretched beyond capacity, with an average of 59 people turned away each day because support services are full. Meanwhile, demand for social and affordable housing continues to grow, with tens of thousands of households waiting for stable accommodation and many facing lengthy wait times.

Rising rents, limited housing supply and financial insecurity are creating conditions where more people are at risk of losing their housing. For many households, one unexpected expense, job loss or health crisis can become the tipping point into homelessness.

Western Sydney Under Pressure

Western Sydney is experiencing some of the most significant housing challenges in the state. The region has high levels of housing stress, overcrowding and hidden homelessness. Census data shows that overcrowded living arrangements are one of the most common forms of homelessness across Western Sydney, affecting thousands of individuals and families.

As communities continue to grow, so too does the need for social and affordable housing, targeted support services and long-term solutions that respond to local needs.

Homelessness is Not Equal

Some groups are disproportionately affected by homelessness and housing insecurity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples continue to experience homelessness at significantly higher rates due to the ongoing impacts of systemic disadvantage and inequality. Young people are also particularly vulnerable, often moving between temporary accommodation, couch surfing and unstable living arrangements. Culturally and linguistically diverse communities can face additional barriers including discrimination, income insecurity and limited access to culturally appropriate support.

Addressing homelessness requires solutions that are equitable, culturally safe and responsive to the unique experiences of different communities.

Moving Beyond Crisis Responses

Emergency accommodation and crisis support are essential, but they are not enough on their own. Ending homelessness requires investment in prevention, affordable housing, social housing, income support and integrated services that help people remain housed for the long term. It requires governments, community organisations, service providers and local communities working together to create lasting change.

Research and practice consistently show that when people gain access to stable housing alongside the supports, they need, they are far more likely to remain housed and rebuild their lives.

A Place to Call Home

At Marist180, we believe everyone deserves a place to call home. Housing is a human right, not a privilege. No one should have to choose between paying rent and buying food, live in overcrowded conditions, or face homelessness because support was unavailable when they needed it most.

Creating a future where everyone has access to safe, secure and affordable housing will require bold action, sustained investment and a shared commitment to social justice. Together, we can build stronger communities where every person has the opportunity to thrive.

Get Involved

Homelessness is preventable. By supporting evidence-based solutions, advocating for affordable housing, and strengthening community connections, we can help create lasting pathways out of homelessness and into stability, dignity and hope.

Because everyone deserves a place to call home.

Learn about the Homelessness NSW campaign A Place to Call Home. Sign the petition. The Campaign - A Place To Call Home & The Support To Keep It