Jesuit Social Services works with many people – especially those with mental health and substance misuse issues, newly-arrived refugees and migrants, those exiting prison, and those leaving out-of-home care – who are experiencing or have experienced homelessness, inappropriate or unsafe housing, housing instability and stress, and other forms of disadvantage in their lives.
In our recent submission to the Productivity Commission’s Review of the National Housing and Homelessness Agreement, we called on the Federal Government to do more to improve the national response to housing stress and homelessness.
Summary of our recommendations
- Develop a 10-year national strategy on housing and homelessness, and increasing funding to meet the needs of people experiencing homelessness and housing stress;
- Include people with poor mental health, substance use issues, and complex needs as a priority group; and
- Ensuring housing is ecologically sustainable.