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Homelessness is GIVIT's third-largest category of unmet need
Who is most affected by homelessness in Australia?
GIVIT data shows that domestic and family violence (DFV) and mental health support are among the most common factors connected to requests for assistance, highlighting the complex realities that can lead to housing insecurity and homelessness.
For many people, escaping violence means making the difficult decision to leave their home, often with little more than the clothes they are wearing. Family and domestic violence is recognised as one of the leading drivers of homelessness, particularly for women and children. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), family and domestic violence is the main reason women and children leave their homes in Australia, with around 40% of people assisted by specialist homelessness services having experienced family and domestic violence.
Mental health challenges can also increase the risk of homelessness. The AIHW notes that ill health, including mental health issues, is a significant factor associated with homelessness, alongside other social and economic pressures. Mental health challenges can affect a person's ability to maintain stable housing, employment and social connections, particularly when combined with financial hardship or a housing crisis.
Every day, GIVIT works with frontline charities supporting people experiencing these challenges. Requests often come from individuals rebuilding their lives after violence, managing complex mental health needs, or trying to establish a safe and stable home after a period of homelessness.
Why do First Nations Australians disproportionately affected by housing insecurity and homelessness?
GIVIT data shows that First Nations Australians are disproportionately represented among people seeking support for housing and homelessness, reflecting a broader challenge experienced by communities across Australia.
Every day, GIVIT receives requests from frontline charities supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people facing housing insecurity, overcrowding, homelessness and the challenges that can follow when a stable home is out of reach. These requests often include essential household items, whitegoods, bedding, furniture and other practical support needed to establish or maintain a safe living environment.
National data highlights the extent of the issue. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), First Nations people account for around one-quarter of all specialist homelessness service clients each year, despite representing only a small proportion of Australia's overall population. Family and domestic violence is also identified as the most common reason First Nations clients seek homelessness support.
The over-representation of First Nations people among those experiencing homelessness is particularly stark. On Census night in 2021, approximately 24,900 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were experiencing homelessness. While First Nations people represented just 3.2% of Australia's population, they accounted for 20% of all people experiencing homelessness.
What are some homeless shelters in Australia?
When you give through GIVIT, you support homeless shelters across Australia by donating to our Homelessness appeal or homelessness requests. You can give your way by either donating money or physical goods. Here are three examples of homeless refuges your donation supports:
Social Futures supports people experiencing or at risk of homelessness through housing assistance, case management and connections to vital community services. Through GIVIT, people supported by Social Futures receive practical items such as furniture, whitegoods, bedding and household essentials that help them move into secure accommodation and rebuild their lives.
St Vincent de Paul Society Western Australiaworks with individuals and families experiencing housing insecurity and homelessness, providing emergency relief, accommodation support and pathways to long-term stability. GIVIT donations help ensure people have access to the everyday essentials needed to settle into a home with dignity.
Launch Housingis one of Victoria's leading homelessness organisations, Launch Housing provides crisis accommodation, housing support and homelessness prevention services. Through GIVIT, clients can access urgently needed items such as beds, refrigerators, washing machines, groceries and other essentials that support a successful transition into housing.
These organisations represent just a small snapshot of the thousands of homelessness support providers, housing services and community organisations registered with GIVIT across Australia. Every day, frontline charities use GIVIT to request exactly what's needed for people facing homelessness, housing insecurity or a housing crisis.
Are donations to our Homelessness Appeal tax-deductible?
Yes, your financial donation is tax-deductible. GIVIT is a trusted donation management partner of state and local governments and will use 100% of any public donation received by GIVIT to buy essential goods and services for people impacted by homelessness and housing insecurity.