Australia is facing a growing housing and homelessness crisis that is exacerbated by the increasing number and severity of disasters that damage and destroy housing infrastructure and significantly impact the health and wellbeing of communities. 

This issues paper highlights some of the policy challenges faced in planning for, and responding to emergencies as it relates to housing and homelessness. Its purpose is to provide background information in advance of 2024 Housing, Homelessness and Disaster National Symposium.

The paper concludes long-term recovery outcomes for people experiencing homelessness are not well understood and need to be better addressed in disaster planning. Their invisibility in emergency planning and response, coupled with systemic and socioeconomic inequities, significantly exacerbates their vulnerability. Addressing these issues requires a holistic approach that includes recognising people experiencing homelessness and addressing their specific needs in a trauma-informed way in all phases of emergencies and disasters.