Aussies demand a solution to homelessness crisis

The Salvation Army has released new research showing a whopping 75 percent of the community would be willing to pay more tax if the extra revenue went directly to eradicating homelessness*.

The research also shows there are concerns that not enough has been done to address the issue of homelessness in the last 10 years, with 52 percent of respondents indicating they think the situation has, in fact; worsened.

The Salvation Army’s Major Paul Moulds says: “The issue has become so serious that the community is prepared to put its own money toward solutions”.

“The widespread consensus is that this is a crisis which has grown to embarrassing and unacceptable proportions. People are saying it is now incumbent on all levels of politics to find new solutions.”

In total 36 percent believed the government should be providing more public and social housing, while nearly one quarter (24.4 percent) of respondents say there should be greater incentives for the private sector to provide affordable housing.

The results sit alongside recently released data showing the number of people accessing The Salvation Army’s ‘Moneycare’ financial counselling program has more than doubled in the last five years, with homelessness affecting 1 in 20 participants.

The Salvation Army is calling on the business community and individuals to make a tax deductible donation to the Red Shield Appeal before the end of June, to help it reach it’s target of $79 million.

“The Salvos need the generous support of the public more than ever, so we can continue to stand alongside Australians in their time of crisis,” says Major Moulds.

“From the perspective of natural disaster relief, this year has been especially demanding; floods, fires, cyclones and drought. We’ve had it all.

“Let’s make this time of the year a time for hope, when we share a little of our own ‘surplus’ with those less fortunate.”

To give hope where it’s needed most, please click here or call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58).

_{*Roy Morgan research}