For too many Australians, affordable housing is not within reach. As rental costs increase and home ownership becomes impossible for many, thousands of people find themselves in unstable and unaffordable accommodation. Homelessness often follows with people living in overcrowded dwellings, makeshift accommodation or rough sleeping.
When housing costs become overwhelming, it affects every aspect of life. Other expenses like food, clothing and healthcare become unmanageable and people can spiral into debilitating poverty – a consequence of which is likely to be homelessness.
Every day, an average of 70,000 Australians seek help from Specialist Homelessness Services and many more struggle silently, never seeking assistance at all.
One in six people who seek help with homelessness are under the age of ten and one in three have experienced family and domestic violence.
People accessing homelessness services are more than three times as likely to have a mental health issue, as to have a drug or alcohol issue.
The number of homeless persons aged 55 years and above has steadily increased over the past 20 years.
Many people who seek help don’t have their needs met as specialist homelessness services are overstretched and affordable housing supply is not available.
Sadly, evidence shows that too many families to return to unsafe domestic violence situations because they have nowhere else to go. There is insufficient emergency and/or transition housing available.
To meet the rapidly growing and increasingly visible need for affordable rental housing, we believe faith communities are an important part of the solution. Faith Housing Australia is a peak body working with faith-based organisations who provide safe, healthy, and secure affordable community housing.
Affordable rental housing is housing that is priced at a manageable level for individuals or families who are on low or moderate incomes.
Generally, housing should cost no more than 30% of the household income.
Affordable housing keeps rental costs low enough that individuals and families can meet their financial obligations and maintain housing security and wellbeing.
Affordable rental housing may be owned by private developers or investors, local governments, charitable organisations, or community housing providers, like many of the members of Faith Housing Australia.
Affordable Housing offers economic benefits as well as delivering social justice. Studies have shown affordable housing increases adjacent property values, attracts businesses and jobs, uplifts residents, encourages social connection, reduces overcrowding, and lowers crime rates.
Jordan Springs apartments, Penrith, built by member Amelie Housing, St Vincent de Paul Society.
Affordable rental housing is housing that is priced at a manageable level for individuals or families who are on low or moderate incomes.
Generally, housing should cost no more than 30% of the household income.
Affordable housing keeps rental costs low enough that individuals and families can meet their financial obligations and maintain housing security and wellbeing.
Affordable rental housing may be owned by private developers or investors, local governments, charitable organisations, or community housing providers, like many of the members of Faith Housing Australia.
Affordable Housing offers economic benefits as well as delivering social justice. Studies have shown affordable housing increases adjacent property values, attracts businesses and jobs, uplifts residents, encourages social connection, reduces overcrowding, and lowers crime rates.
Jordan Springs apartments, Penrith, built by member Amelie Housing, St Vincent de Paul Society.
Faith Housing Australia believes in the dignity and worth of every person and we are committed to building a more just society in which people can thrive.
We want to see every person living in safe, healthy, secure and affordable accommodation which supports them to flourish and contribute to their community.
Communities of faith have always been at the forefront of responding to the needs of their communities, serving those who are facing crisis, are disadvantaged and in need of support. Faith Housing Australia is an expression of the social justice commitment of the faith sector, which believes in appropriate and affordable housing for all as a basic human right and wish to help build strong communities.
Working with our members to build capacity and a shared understanding of how faith-informed solutions can help solve community housing needs.
Engaging stakeholders to demonstrate how the faith sector plays a valuable role in the supply of community housing and services that strengthen individuals, families and communities.
Working collaboratively across sectors to build partnerships that will increase and improve housing supply.
Continually learning, researching and developing ideas to support innovations and thought leadership in community housing supply and practice.
Working with our members to build capacity and a shared understanding of how faith-informed solutions can help solve community housing needs.
Engaging stakeholders to demonstrate how the faith sector plays a valuable role in the supply of community housing and services that strengthen individuals, families and communities.
Working collaboratively across sectors to build partnerships that will increase and improve housing supply.
Continually learning, researching and developing ideas to support innovations and thought leadership in community housing supply and practice.
Working with our members to build capacity and a shared understanding of how faith-informed solutions can help solve community housing needs.
Engaging stakeholders to demonstrate how the faith sector plays a valuable role in the supply of community housing and services that strengthen individuals, families and communities.
Working collaboratively across sectors to build partnerships that will increase and improve housing supply.
Continually learning, researching and developing ideas to support innovations and thought leadership in community housing supply and practice.
Join Faith Housing Australia
Faith Housing Australia is not a housing provider or a direct support service.
If you are seeking emergency accommodation, visit Link2Home.
