IPSWICH families are increasingly struggling to keep a roof over their heads, with local workers saying rising rents and living costs are pushing them closer to homelessness.
New national data released during Homelessness Week has revealed that almost 5000 additional people in families with children turned to homelessness services over the past two years – a 5 per cent increase.
Advocates say the crisis is hitting regional cities hard, with wages failing to keep pace with soaring housing costs.
“I work two jobs, but between rent, bills and groceries, it feels like I’m just treading water,” said Sarah James, a hospitality worker from Bundamba.
“There’s never enough to save, and I’m always worried about what might happen if something unexpected comes up.”
Tom McKeon, a retail assistant from Bellbird Park, said he had to take on a second job but was “still living pay cheque to pay cheque. It’s exhausting”.
The report, Raising the Alarm: Australia’s Family Homelessness Emergency, found almost half of the 39,000 people in families seeking support had already lost their homes, while 32,451 remained homeless even after receiving assistance – a 7 per cent increase in two years.
Alarmingly, the proportion of those with consistent incomes rose from 10.5 to 12.1 per cent, highlighting that employment no longer guarantees housing security.
Homelessness Australia CEO Kate Colvin said families were now forced into unsafe and unstable living situations, undermining parents’ ability to work and children’s ability to stay engaged in school.
“We now have families moving from couch to couch, or sleeping in cars and tents, while parents miss work, lose jobs, and children disengage from school,” Ms Colvin said.
“Health costs spiral, and the future workforce is being hit hard.”
In an effort to improve the situation, Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann has announced more than $1.2 million in new funding to help struggling households locally.
Ipswich Assist will receive $151,426 to expand its emergency relief program, which currently supports more than 60 families a month with food staples, rent and utility assistance.
“This extra funding will ensure we can provide more support to those struggling within our community,” Program Manager Jason Budden said.
Other recipients include Leichhardt One Mile Community Centre, Riverview Community Centre, Settlement Services International, Vinnies Queensland and the Salvation Army.
