By Jena Carr
South Barwon homelessness rates have soared by 465 per cent, according to recent data from The Council to Homeless Persons.
The analysis compares census data from 2016 to 2021 and identified that the South Barwon electorate near Geelong recorded the state’s worst homelessness increase by close to 148 people.
Meli Youth, Housing and South West Services director Josephine Taylor said the homelessness support organisation for young people aged 15 to 25 had seen demand for its services grow.
“There are currently around 8500 people on the priority waitlist for social housing in the Barwon region,” she said.
“These are people on the top priority for reasons like rough sleeping, family violence, severe over-crowding and threats of danger.”
Ms Taylor said the statistics were concerning but not surprising as the region was one of the fastest growing areas in Victoria as “affordable housing remains static” and private rental costs rise.
“Often the only alternative is motel accommodation, which is not always guaranteed, not fit for purpose and expensive,” she said.
“Young people are also increasingly presenting with more complex needs, which creates even more barriers for support in terms of safe accommodation.”
The Outpost vice president Amy Flint said there had been a 50 per cent increase in people using The Outpost’s services over the past 12 months, which is currently at a five-year high.
“The Outpost has served over 10,000 meals this year. That’s between 20 and 50 hot healthy meals each and every day,” she said.
“Currently we are seeing an upward trend in young people who are sleeping in their cars with no other alternative.”
Ms Flint said along with the organisation’s primary service of “feeding those in need”, more people were requesting warmer clothing, and the items were leaving faster than they were being donated.
“There has been a much higher demand as we lead into the coldest months of the year for blankets, sleeping bags, and beanies,” she said.
“It’s a stressful situation for many in our community who are already doing it tough.”
Help is available by calling Barwon Community Youth Foundation on 1800 825 955 or The Outpost on 03 5223 1201.
