Demand for solutions: Homelessness on the rise in Deni and district

While individual cases vary, it’s been largely attributed to the cost of living crisis and a lack of suitable and affordable housing.

It has become so visible, the matter was raised at this month’s Edward River Council meeting.

It has prompted a multi-agency reaction, and for local social and emergency housing providers to demand more attention and investment from the government.

Local statistics suggest the waiting time for social or emergency housing has more than doubled in the last four years, leaving those at risk of homelessness waiting five months or more for suitable accommodation.

Often, it’s simply because there are no available homes to offer.

While family dynamics still account for a large percentage of local homelessness, support agencies say there has been an increase in people being evicted from their homes.

Vinnies Services Deniliquin manager Vanessa McKay said while the NSW Statewide Street Count has not been conducted locally, its findings suggest “rough sleeping is growing in regional areas, with 11 of the top 12 affected Local Government Areas located outside metropolitan cities”.

She confirmed that 175 people have been supported by the organisation through specialist homelessness services in the past year.

“Close to a third of people seeking assistance in Deniliquin over the past year were experiencing a housing crisis due to evictions, while one in five experienced domestic and family violence,” she said.

“On average, it took 155 days for our services to secure a housing outcome in the past financial year, increasing from 74 days four years earlier.

“The lack of affordable and available housing in the region has meant people we assist are requiring support for longer periods of time.”

The shortage of emergency accommodation is also a pressing issue, Ms McKay said.

“One of the most pressing short-term challenges facing people seeking assistance is the absence of local accommodation registered with Link2Home - the NSW Government’s emergency accommodation referral service.

“Currently, the closest emergency accommodation provider registered with Link2Home is 70km away.”

In Deniliquin, Vinnies operates two crisis and two transitional accommodation units, which Ms McKay said are frequently at full capacity.

Homes Out West - Kirinari has four transitional homes in Deniliquin, offering short-term accommodation for people in need.

Its CEO Diane Lynch said they are also full and “demand is constant”.

“There can be complex and varied contributing factors that lead to homelessness; however, we know a lack of affordable rental properties is a major issue in regional areas,” Ms Lynch said.

“Kirinari and other providers in regional areas are, in some cases, having to subsidise rental increases which are not adequately covered by government funding; shouldering the burden of delivering accommodation services at increased cost.”

While both organisations said the only real solution is more meaningful support for homelessness - particularly the provision of more affordable housing and social housing in our community - they continue to provide outreach services to those who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness.

“Vinnies Services provides assertive outreach within the Deniliquin community, engaging with individuals experiencing homelessness where they are,” Ms McKay said.

“Our on-site laundry and shower facilities are regularly used by people currently rough sleeping, and these practical supports often serve as a first step in building trust and connection.”

Support to alleviate household costs is also available to those in the local community through the St Vincent de Paul St Michael’s Conference at the Vinnies Shop in Napier St, Deniliquin and the Deniliquin Salvation Army Store in Cressy St, Deniliquin.

Homelessness services contact details:

• In an emergency, contact Deniliquin Police on 5881 9299.

• Vinnies Services Deniliquin emergency accommodation - 74 Wellington St, Deniliquin, 5881 7411.

• Homes Out West - Kirinari - 137 End St, Deniliquin, 1300 547 462 or hello@kirinari.com.au.

• Anyone requiring crisis support can contact Accessline on 1800 800 944, Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14, BeyondBlue on 1300 224 636 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800. Resources are also available at www.denimentalhealth.org.au.