Homelessness in Australia is worsening, with services stuck in crisis mode. Evidence from Finland – and new research in SA and WA – shows a different path is possible.

Homelessness is a  growing issue in Australia.

Data released last week by the Australian Institute for Health and Welfare show 350 requests for support go unmet every day due to a lack of resources. Most of those requests are from women and children fleeing family and domestic violence.

One in three people seeking crisis accommodation do not receive support, highlighting how damaging housing shortages can be.

Homelessness is also a health crisis.

The median age at death for Australians receiving homelessness services in the past decade was  55 years – 28 years below the  Australian average life expectancy.

The figures are even worse for people  sleeping rough (people living in improvised dwellings, tents, or sleeping outdoors). A 2024 Guardian investigation found an average age of death for  rough sleepers of just 44.

Across Australia, the homelessness system is struggling to keep........

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