Homelessness and Mental Health Support

Concern: Are people experiencing homelessness receiving sufficient housing, health and social support?

Key Points

• Homelessness does not always mean sleeping on the street. It can also involve temporary accommodation, overcrowded housing or staying with other people because suitable housing is unavailable.

• Contributing circumstances may include unaffordable housing, unemployment, family violence, relationship breakdown and health problems.

• Mental health conditions can contribute to housing instability, but not everyone experiencing homelessness has a mental health condition.

• People experiencing homelessness may require different types of assistance depending on their circumstances.

• Emergency accommodation and long-term housing support serve different purposes.

Possible Improvements

• Examine the availability and effectiveness of emergency accommodation and long-term housing programs.

• Consider better coordination between housing, mental health and social services.

• Review early intervention programs for people at risk of losing their homes.

Simple Example: Providing someone with emergency accommodation may keep them safe tonight. However, if affordable housing remains unavailable, or the person requires ongoing health or social support, their housing difficulties may continue.

Future Consideration: What are the potential benefits, costs and limitations of different approaches to preventing homelessness and supporting people experiencing it?