Homelessness includes couch surfing, living in overcrowded housing, sleeping in a car or in a public space. At the 2021 Census, 122,494 people in Australia were estimated to be experiencing homelessness, a 5.2 per cent increase on the previous Census.
Those who are homeless don’t just lack a permanent place to call home. They lack facilities and utensils to prepare and cook food and maintain a healthy diet. In Narrabri, Shared Table provides food hampers, heavily discounted groceries and free fruit and vegetables and bread. Also offering a nutritious home cooked meal on Fridays.
Family and domestic abuse is one of the leading causes of homelessness. NDCAS offers support and programs to people in domestic violence situations, through emergency accommodation, supporting people to stay safely in their own home or referring people for additional supports. If you or someone you know is at risk of homelessness due to family or domestic violence, phone NDCAS on 6792 4900 or call 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) for support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
More than 400 people were supported for homelessness in the Narrabri Shire in the past 12 months. Support has included housing accommodation support, temporary accommodation, maintaining and sustaining tenancy, short term accommodation and supporting people to achieve goals through case managed support.
The leading factors of homelessness are family breakdown, abuse, trauma and housing availability and affordability.
