During 2024/25, Anchor’s homelessness services experienced a 250 per cent increase in rough sleeper reports, highlighting the severity of Australia’s housing and homelessness crisis.

A total of 83 men, 36 women, 27 children and 45 pets were reported rough sleeping over that year, though this data includes instances where multiple reports are made about the same person.

Anchor Crisis Response Worker, Erin, spoke about the rise in the local media this week, stating that the homelessness crisis is indiscriminately impacting all kinds of people across the community.

“We have seen growing numbers of families with young children in tents, and working families that have been priced out of the rental market, we have also seen a rise in individuals over the age of 55 rough sleeping in our area.”

The rise in reports also suggests more awareness from the community, as rough sleeping becomes more common.,

It is pleasing to see the empathy, care and generosity that many in the community demonstrate towards people experiencing homelessness.

Read the full article here.

Important resources

Read more about Anchor’s Rapid Response Program.

Request Support for a Rough Sleeper.

Ask Izzy – crisis service database, great for finding help.