Citizens

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.

Margaret Mead, anthropologist

Homelessness is a complex issue that needs to be addressed with a variety of solutions, and the power of organised, passionate citizens cannot be understated when it comes to driving change.

Whether you’re an individual wanting to make a difference or part of a voluntary association, community group or non-governmental organisation, here are some ways you can work towards an end to homelessness as a citizen.

Recommendation 1: Be the change

Ending homelessness is a shared responsibility. As a society, we need to make our elected representatives, through the questions we ask and the way we vote, deliver on the leadership, reform and funding needed to ensure everyone has a home.

Check if your local, state or territory government has a commitment to measurably and equitably ending homelessness, and hold them accountable for making progress toward that goal.

Recommendation 2: Promote a new understanding of homelessness

To drive change, we need to reframe the narrative around homelessness. This includes, but is not limited to, recognising that:

• Ending homelessness is possible;
• Housing is not just an asset or investment class, but also a basic human need;
• Homelessness is not an individual problem but a systems problem;
• Homelessness is not an individual choice, but a choice by society for allowing the rising inequality that drives so much of it; and
• Ending homelessness is also about racial equity, justice and reconciliation.

A big part of this work is creating a sense of what is possible. While it’s important to critique the status quo, it can be all too easy to feel like our efforts are making no difference when focussing solely on the negatives. Ending homelessness is possible, and the more we spread that message, dismantle stigma and build hope, the more momentum we can gain as a collective.

Recommendation 3: Support campaigns that address the systemic causes of homelessness

Show your support for campaigns that work to address the complex, interconnected causes of homelessness. Some examples include:

• YIMBY: A movement advocating for abundant housing to build cities that are liveable, affordable and sustainable for all, including building more affordable, social and permanent supportive housing in your community.
• Raise the Rate: The campaign calling for increased levels of income support payments.
• Everybody’s Home: The campaign calling for greater investment in social housing.
• Closing the Gap: The nationwide effort aimed at eliminating the health and life expectancy gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

There are many other campaigns calling for reform to drug and alcohol, justice and incarceration, mental health, rental rights and others.

Recommendation 4: Volunteer and donate

Support the efforts of local homelessness agencies or local collaborations. Ask them what you can do to help and if you can, donate to efforts to meet the crisis needs of people experiencing homelessness and systemic efforts to end it.

Recommendation 5: Support community wealth-building

The Australian economy is not working well for people, places or the planet, and yet there’s no shortage of wealth. Wages are low, work and housing are increasingly insecure and poverty and inequality between the rich and the poor are on the rise.

Advocate for economic policies that reduce inequality. Community wealth-building retains more wealth locally for the benefit of all. Demand that governments stop treating housing as a wealth creation vehicle and ensure it’s accessible to everyone.