Homelessness is more than just ‘roof’lessness.
Homelessness is the lack of a HOME and everything it provides - a sense of security, stability, privacy, safety, and the ability to control living space¹.
This week from 1-7 August 2021 is Homelessness Week, helping to bring awareness to the issue and to the 116,000 plus people experiencing homelessness on any given night across Australia².
There are many different types of homelessness, and many of which do not involve rooflessness.
So, what does homelessness really look like?
When a person does not have suitable accommodation alternatives they are considered homeless if their current living arrangement: is in a dwelling that is inadequate; or has no tenure, or if their initial tenure is short and not extendable; or does not allow them to have control of, and access to space for social relations”
- Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)
Primary homelessness
The Australian Government Department of Health describes primary homelessness as living on the streets, in parks, and in deserted buildings³.
Also known as “sleeping rough”, primary homelessness is perhaps what comes to mind when we think about homelessness. It also includes sleeping in cars and in other improvised dwellings – really any form of non-conventional accommodation.
Secondary homelessness
Secondary homelessness is described as living in temporary accommodation. This can include sleeping in refuges, emergency accommodation, or on a friend’s or relative’s couch (otherwise known as “couch surfing”).
People experiencing secondary homelessness often move frequently from one temporary shelter to another¹, because the accommodation is just that – temporary.
Tertiary homelessness
Tertiary homelessness involves living in accommodation that falls below minimum standards.
An example of this includes residing in caravan parks and boarding houses, or living in unfit or overcrowded housing. This often means people experiencing tertiary homelessness do not have access to private facilities and/or they do not have the security of a lease.
Homelessness is such a large issue and much of it goes unseen in our communities.
There are also so many human experiences that lead to homelessness, and there is a lot of work to be done towards prevention and breaking the cycle of homelessness.
At CatholicCare Victoria we provide a range of programs and services for both homelessness prevention and solutions. We are committed to reaching out to those in need and empowering them, building strength and resilience, and helping them to reach their full potential.
Learn more below:
Homeless to a home The challenge we face
Liz Gellel | Marketing Coordinator – Digital Lead
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