As mums, we’re pretty perceptive. Call it mother’s instinct or intuition, but we tend to know when our kids need a hug or when our bestie needs a vent. But would you know if someone in your life was homeless?

Of course you’d know.

Wouldn’t you? Most likely, you actually wouldn’t. Because they probably wouldn’t fit the stereotype of someone who is homeless – sleeping rough on the street.

There’s actually a hidden homelessness epidemic that’s more widespread, but so covert, that you’d have no idea if someone in your life was living through it and they didn’t want you to know.

It’s called modern homelessness. It’s things like couch surfing, hot bedding, sleeping in the car, living in a garage, permanently camping or staying in caravan parks. Unlike the very obvious way we see people sleeping rough, this is a quiet undercurrent. An almost silent, but just as harmful epidemic happening to people just like you and I.

It’s people who are employed…it could be one of your child’s teachers.
It’s people who volunteer…it could be your child’s soccer coach.
It’s people we welcome into our own home…it could be one of your children’s friends. One of your gran’s friends.
It’s people who are trying everything to keep a roof over their heads, but in the midst of a housing crisis have found themselves without a home.

This is the new face of homelessness.

Homelessness is now closer to home

It’s clear that we need to shift our perception of homelessness in Australia. We need to realise it’s not always right in front of our faces. Some of the stats around community members struggling to keep a roof over their heads are staggering.

Only 2.2% of rentals are affordable for an ambulance worker. That’s someone who saves lives for a living, unable to afford a basic standard of living.

Women who are 55 and older are the fastest-growing cohort of homeless people in the country.

There are people who we, as a community, rely on to keep us healthy, educated and safe, who can’t afford rent. It’s not just heartbreaking, it’s unAustralian.

But by understanding that there is a problem, and educating ourselves and our family and friends, we can start being part of the solution.

So what’s the solution?

Home in Place is one of Australia’s largest non-government social housing providers, and they’ve been providing secure and affordable housing for almost four decades. And they want to put the issue of modern homelessness in the spotlight. Because a better future starts with a home in place.

The best way you can show your support is by getting the word out. Share this article with your friends and family. Share the Modern Homelessness campaign.

Then contact your local member of parliament. You can do this really easily via Home in Place, which is asking the government to implement a National Housing Strategy and to commit 2% of the federal government budget to funding the strategy.

It’s time to bring modern homelessness out of the shadows, and help secure a better future for our communities.

Mouths of Mums is working with Home in Place to bring you this important article. 

Has anyone in your circle of friends or family experienced homelessness? Have you experienced homelessness? We’d love you to share your personal experiences in the comments below to help keep the discussion going.