Homelessness in Melbourne

From PhilanthropyWiki

Title: Homelessness in Melbourne Type: Research report Focus: Homelessness Date: February 2007 Publisher: HomeGround Services Download: Download from HomeGround Services website

This study drew on information from over 5000 agency records and 103 homeless households to examine the causes and effects of homelessness in Melbourne. Among the study's major findings:

• 64% of the homeless population had been homeless for over a year
• Over 90% of the homeless population have been in boarding houses at some stage
• Just under 40% of the homeless population had experienced homelessness before the age of 18
• 49% of the overall homeless population, and 62% of long-term homeless, have slept rough
• Of those homeless people with a substance abuse problem, two-thirds developed the problem after they became homeless
• Of those homeless people who had mental health problems, half had developed the mental health problems after they became homeless
• Most homeless people have had more than one experience of homelessness

The full report is available for download in PDF form from Homeground's website