Over nine in 10 people with disability at risk of homelessness are turned away

Key points:

• 3,652 people with disability sought help from homelessness services for long-term housing in 2022 – ‘23 

• This is up from 2,873 about a decade ago — from 2013 – ‘14

• More than nine in 10 were turned away because there wasn’t enough social housing

The NDIS Review highlighted the need for improved housing for people with disability, with some of its 26 recommendations and 139 actions targeted at providing accessible shelter for those who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data, housing accessibility and affordability were the primary reasons for seeking assistance for 53 percent of people with disabilities in the past year, as identified by Everybody’s Home analysis.

Inclusion Australia Chief Executive Officer Catherine McAlpine said having a safe and steady place to call home is the foundation for any good life.

“Sadly, for many people with an intellectual disability, there is very little support to understand and navigate the complexities of finding a home,” the CEO said.

“Combined with a lack of housing options and low-income security levels, this means that real choice about where you live and who you live with is limited.

“This increases the chance of people with disabilities being grouped together in segregated settings, where violence and abuse are more common.”

A new report from peak advocacy group People With Disability Australia has revealed that women with disability, who have a 40 percent higher risk of domestic and family violence, overwhelmingly felt that they were not welcome to access services to address their lived experiences.

El Gibbs, director of policy and advocacy at Disability Advocacy Network Australia, said housing is one of the top issues that people with disability and disability advocates are dealing with every day.

“The lack of affordable, accessible and available housing is a crisis for people with disability in every single area,” Gibbs said.

“Many people with disability rely on income support or part-time work, making the current affordability challenge even more acute. For people living in private rentals, getting home modifications to stay safe is often impossible.”

Of the one in nine Australians who live with disability, as many as 93 percent have found difficulties securing employment. As Australia’s population ages, the likelihood of experiencing disability also increases.

Everybody’s Home spokesperson Maiy Azize said the lack of rental accommodation for people with disability is a growing crisis.

“It’s already hard enough finding and securing a safe, decent, affordable rental in Australia, let alone one that is accessible and disability-friendly,” Anglicare Australia’s Deputy Director Ms Aize said.

“The system is pushing more and more people with disability into homelessness, boarding houses and even aged care because they can’t find a suitable home.

“The Federal Government must act with urgency to build more social housing for people with disabilities.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing or at risk of homelessness, please refer to the following Disability Support Guide — Services and supports for people with disability experiencing homelessness.

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