Homelessness is well popular everywhere. Especially India. India has the highest percentage of homeless people at 78 million. California, New York City, and Florida are the states where it is most likely to observe homeless people. More than 280,000 people are homeless across the three states. That is roughly half of the American population. People who are homeless need a better home to live in and feel secure. According to the 2016 Australian Bureau of Statistics, over 116,000 people were experiencing homelessness in Australia.

Homelessness is a critical issue because it is devastating, isolating and unsafe. Homelessness is attributed to losses in physical and mental health, homeless people have higher risks of HIV (Human immunodeficiency Virus) infection, alcohol and drug misuse, mental illness, and other illnesses. Many homeless people die before they even reach 50. Homelessness, can expose people to violence and victimisation, lead to long-term unemployment, and result in chronic illness. They face numerous challenges, and anxiety can have a significant impact on self-confidence and behaviour.

Some reasons why poor people became homeless are because of house renting or even family problems. The Salvation Army states that the following some reasons why people can struggle with homelessness: family violence, a shortage of affordable housing, physical and/or mental health issues, unemployment or job loss, drug and alcohol abuse and addiction, family and relationship breakdown and not feeling safe at home. Homeless people face numerous challenges, and anxiety, which can have a significant impact on self-confidence and behaviour. Homelessness is not the fault of others. It has consequences throughout the community. It has an impact on healthcare resource availability, crime and safety, the workforce, and the usage of tax revenues. Furthermore, homelessness has an impact on both the present and the future.

In the 2016 Australian Bureau of Statistic summed up their Key Findings of Census of Population and Housing: Estimating Homelessness by quoting the Department of Human Services as saying, “Homelessness is not a choice. Homelessness is one of the most potent examples of disadvantage in the community, and one of the most important markers of social exclusion.” (Department of Human Services, 2002)
 

The data presented by NT Shelter is horrifying. The Northern Territory has a rate of homelessness that is twelve times higher than the national average. Homelessness affects 6% of the Territorians overall. Overcrowding is to blame for 81% of the homeless in the NT. Homelessness affects 20% of the Aboriginal population in the Northern Territory. More than 16% of children under 16 living in the Territory are homeless. The number of persons sleeping rough in the NT is 13 times higher than the average.

Our call of action is for to sign our petition on charge.org demanding Minister for the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence; and Minister for Territory Families, The Honourable Kate Worden to accept our petition urging her to take urgent action on the alarming rate of homelessness in the NT.