How do you define Homelessness?

Homelessness not just being without a house; it is the state of being without the means to establish a safe and secure mode of living.

The Australia Bureau of Statistics identifies three types of homelessness:

1. Primary homelessness: sleeping rough on the streets, in parks or in derelict buildings (16,000 people on census night 2006)*
2. Secondary homelessness: a temporary bed with friends (47,000 people on census night 2001) or crisis accommodation (20,000 people on census night 2006).
3. Tertiary homelessness: medium- to long-term boarding house accommodation, without security of tenure, (22,000 on census night 2006)

*Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics Counting the Homeless Australia 2006

Causes of homelessness

Homelessness can occur as a result of poverty, unemployment, lack of affordable housing, domestic violence, family breakdown, alcohol and drug use, financial difficulty, gambling and social isolation.

Pathways out of homelessness

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to homelessness; however:

• short-term solutions such as crisis accommodation are vital.
• medium- and long-term plans are required, which may include training, rehabilitation and addressing the reasons why individuals became homeless.
• solutions need to be as multifaceted as the individuals they serve.

The Big Issue Australia recognises the complex nature of homelessness. We aim to be a part of the solution by helping people who are homeless or in danger of becoming homeless, and those who are marginalised by their circumstances, to participate in society.