The Reality Of Homelessness In Australia
The crisis
Homelessness affects more than 122,000 people across Australia. This number represents more than statistics, it’s families squeezed into overcrowded houses, young people moving from couch to couch, and individuals forced to sleep in cars, parks, or on the street. Behind every figure is a story of struggle, resilience, and the hope for something better.
Who experiences homelessness?
Homelessness impacts people differently. Statistics show that men experience homelessness more than women however, the causes and situations are not the same.
44%
are female
For females, domestic and family violence is the number one driver, often forcing them to leave home with children.
56%
are male
Men are more likely to experience chronic, long-term homelessness.
58%
are under 35
Young people are also highly vulnerable, nearly half of those experiencing homelessness are under 25 years old, with many missing out on education and stability.
20%
are Indigenous
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are disproportionately represented, while many migrants and refugees also struggle due to barriers like employment, rental costs, and limited support networks.
Where do people stay?
Homelessness is not always visible.
6%
sleep rough
A small portion of people sleep in parks, cars, or on the street.
15%
couch surf
Others move between insecure arrangements like boarding houses, couch surfing, or temporary accommodation. For many, this creates unsafe conditions that affect both their health and wellbeing.
20%
crisis accomodation
The most common form of homelessness is severely overcrowded dwellings, with multiple families crammed into housing built for far fewer people.
What leads to homelessness?
Homelessness is rarely caused by a single event. It’s often the end point of a series of challenges that stack up over time.
Some of the biggest drivers include:
Lack of affordable housing
More than half of people experiencing homelessness cannot access or afford stable housing.
Why This Matters
Homelessness is not just about lacking a roof overhead, it’s about losing stability, safety, and dignity. Without a home, everything else becomes harder, holding a job, going to school, staying healthy, or caring for children. The experience can be isolating and overwhelming, leaving people without the support they need to rebuild.
At Malak Foundation, we believe homelessness is not inevitable. With compassion, care, and community support, it is a crisis we can confront. Together, we can help restore dignity, provide hope, and create opportunities for Australians to thrive.
