Shelter SA, the leading organisation in the state, is struggling to continue operating with one employee remaining. According to a report, frontline service provision is severely underfunded as the homeless population continues to grow. Heads of state’s homelessness and housing agencies have expressed concerns.Â
A recent study revealed that SA stands alone as the state lacking a government-funded homelessness peak organisation. The demand for support from South Australians is rapidly increasing.
Every Other State Receives Government Financing
According to a report by Toward Home Alliance, the homelessness peak organisation in every other state and territory receives the majority of its funding from the government. The report highlighted that South Australia stands alone as the state or territory in Australia lacking a government-funded peak body focused on housing or homelessness. Dr Alice Clark serves as the staff member of Shelter SA. This organisation acts as the leading advocate in the state for affordable housing solutions targeted at individuals with incomes and housing needs. Clark stated that the outlook for housing and Shelter SA is bleak.
Since the state government funding was withdrawn in October 2020, Shelter SA has operated without it. It has depended on donations from its members since that time. In 2019-2020, the reported revenue from state government grants amounted to $426,400. Due to strain from cost-of-living increases, member organisations are starting to withdraw their support from Shelter SA. Clark is concerned that without assistance, Shelter SA will struggle to continue operating.
Members Leaving Due to Financial Pressure
Clark mentioned that the current financial burdens they face are significantly impacting their capacity to deliver the services. From what I’ve gathered, more members are likely to leave this year, which could threaten our continued existence. According to figures from the South Australian Council of Social Services, over 18,700 individuals accessed homelessness services in the 2023-24 financial year.
SACOSS also indicated that one out of every four individuals who accessed homelessness services was unable to secure any type of shelter during the timeframe. SACOSS chief executive Dr Catherine Earl stated that the absence of government funding for a peak organisation complicated efforts by services and specialists to advocate for remedies, to elevated homelessness and housing instability.
Other States Possess Agencies That Support Services
Earl stated that in states, peak organisations have been funded to assist homelessness services in exchanging expertise and ideas, generating essential policy and research and advocating collectively for necessary actions. He emphasised the need for the Australian government to emulate other states by funding an organisation capable of representing our essential frontline homelessness services. The latest sector report has recommended establishing a funded homelessness peak body.
Although frontline service provision is currently seriously underfunded in South Australia, and the government’s commitment to raising this funding is modest, the report stated that investing in advocacy for the homelessness sector via a peak organisation is necessary. Clark mentioned that the state’s homelessness services presently depend on fundraising to address the needs of everyone seeking assistance.
Citizens Bearing Half the Burden
She stated that it appears unjust for our citizens to carry half the load of an increasing population in need of assistance. This comes after concerns for months that the homeless shelter Hutt St Centre might be full within three years unless additional social housing is provided. Clark emphasised that the government needs to finance homelessness services, increase public housing and offer more supported accommodation.
She stated that in the two decades, 20,000 public housing units have been lost, which is roughly equivalent to the number of people using homelessness services in Adelaide. Minister for Human Services Nat Cook mentioned that the government plans to collaborate with the sector to design homelessness services and will invest more than $100 million each year into frontline services.
Read more local news and social issues at Inspirepreneur magazine. Get updates on challenges facing communities and vulnerable populations.
