This report investigates the extent and impacts of family homelessness in Australia. It recommends a suite of policies the government can implement immediately to address this escalating crisis with a three-point plan to end homelessness. It proposes that Australia needs a transformational, whole-of-government plan with clear targets, timelines and accountability.

Key findings

• The number of parents and children using homelessness services jumped 5 % in just two years, while those already homeless when they asked for help leapt 11%.
• The crisis is huge, yet still growing. In 2023‑24, 92,476 people in families sought help; almost half (39,000) had already lost their housing.
• Services are overstretched. Even after getting support, 32,451 family members were still homeless, which is up 7%.
• Homelessness hurts productivity by disrupting work and study, driving up health‑care costs, and reducing children’s future labour‑force participation.
• The share of homelessness service clients with a waged income has climbed from 10% to 12% in two years.

Key policy recommendations

1. A national plan to end homelessness.
2. New investment in homelessness services.
3. Major growth in social housing and income support.