THE old National Australia Bank building on Brisbane and East Streets carries graffiti that reads “Homeless Shelters for Ipswich”, a poignant reminder of the individuals who once sought shelter in its archway.
The building has since been boarded up, with the homeless moved on, but the message highlights the growing homelessness crisis across Ipswich that is affecting many Australians.
In 2021-22, 1776 individuals in Ipswich accessed specialist homelessness services, equating to 48 people per 10,000 residents.
Queensland’s homeless crisis has only worsened, with the state reporting 48,800 clients from Specialist Homelessness Services in 2023-24, marking a 22 per cent increase over three years.
To address the issue, Goodna Street Life co-founder and one of the city’s greatest homelessness advocates, Helen Youngberry, has announced plans to advocate for two new homeless shelters in Ipswich.
She is scheduled to meet with political leaders, including State Minister for Housing and Public Works Sam O’Connor on March 21. Federal Member for Oxley Milton Dick has also expressed interest in attending.
“Homelessness will always be an issue,” Ms Youngberry said.
“But while we have people living on our streets, the Government have an obligation to make sure we as citizens feel safe.
“They need to remember who the voters are and that we have a say.
“Two permanent homeless shelters will be an immediate solution in Ipswich and help assist so many who continue to deal with homelessness.”
Ms Youngberry’s advocacy is supported by Homelessness Australia’s commitment to addressing homelessness, especially for those with disabilities, through the updated National Disability Strategy.
A recent report handed down with the strategy highlighted a 25 per cent increase in persistent homelessness over the past five years.
The report also stated that every day, an average of 208 people seeking accommodation are turned away, with 53,292 people denied assistance annually.
