We Demand more Social housing across Regional and Rural NSW

We want the help now and not in 20 years time 

WE DEMAND 

1. Affordable accommodation for the low economic background families

2. Bigger Refuges for Domestic Violence with built in support that is a safe/Secure place 

3. Refuges for families that are homeless with support! 

4. More emergency accommodation that can be available on the day someone rings up with full access for all needs 

 

The purpose of this petition is getting people to sign and assist in trying to help people struggling to find affordable rentals, emergency accommodation, help the homeless in Gunnedah/Tamworth NSW and across the state and not to mention the people waiting long periods for social housing.

SHS (Specialist Homelessness Service) agencies supported more than 1.4 million Australians between 2011–12 and 2020–21. In 2020–21, almost 278,300 clients were assisted, equating to a rate of 108.3 clients per 10,000 population, or 1.1% of the Australian population. Most clients (57% or 144,500 clients) were at risk of homelessness when first presenting to SHS in 2020–21. Another 111,100 clients (43%) were experiencing homelessness. That’s just the Stats of people that have gotten support! I could only imagine how many more people out there that haven’t yet reached out! 

2016 census showed that children and young people make up 2-5 of all people experiencing homelessness in Australia. That’s 27,683 kids with a home and 116,427 Australians without a home! 
it will be interesting to see what 2021 results show

Nothing changes if nothing changes! We need the government's support in this journey of helping us change the situation.

The homeless living in Motels, Cars, Couch surfing, living in tents and staying in unsafe situations. We have overcrowded households and generations struggling under one roof whilst trying to support the ones in need which puts a strain on relationships. We have some people without supportive family/ friends.

I see daily posts on Facebook people begging for help and so many people stating "they're in the same boat" asking where they can go to find affordable rentals or help after being knocked back 40 times or more. It’s so Sad! 

I feel strongly about this as my 1 year old son and I have been homeless not once but twice! The first time was in the middle of this year. We got knocked back for over 40 houses. I personally think people see a single mum not working and having a 1 year old as a threat to their homes and I totally understand that but we do all the right things and pay rent on time so why don't people give us a go?  It's very disheartening. In this day in age a traditional family is rare. There are so many people/families that cannot work as their child/children or an individual have medical needs and until it's sorted or maybe a life time of the medical needs we are stuck.

My son and I are currently homeless now and couch surfing so close to Christmas which has really effected my mental health but not to mention the struggle with having no routine/structure, not having a stable living situation and seeing so much change in my sons behaviour. It is hard and lonely but with kids it's even harder. As parents all we want is for our kids to be happy and healthy and some days I just feel defeated. This is no fault of our own but unfortunately living in an unsafe situation, no affordable rentals and currently no emergency accommodation where we live in my home town Gunnedah NSW as it's full. 

Emergency Accommodation being full should show that there is a bigger problem.

I was so embarrassed and scared to talk the first time we were homeless and now it has happened a second time I think it's time to speak up about this because it's not an uncommon situation but I guess you can say that homelessness goes unseen. We need more voices and more drive to push this! 

The stress that comes with homelessness also increases mental illness. Living without a home can increase fear, anxiety, depression, sleeplessness and list could go on. Having a secure home allows people with a mental illness to focus on recovery and treatment and not constantly worrying if they have a roof over their head in a week.

This isn't only the younger generation it's also the older generation struggling with homelessness. The bigger picture is that most people and families experiencing homelessness are hidden from plain sight and I’m concerned for the future, for myself and for others! 

So please support me with this petition. Unfortunately At least every person would know someone or themselves going through homelessness. It could be you one day in the future if nothing is done! 

Sign, share and comment.

Every signature is one step closer to help! We are all in this together