The growing demand for social housing, especially for individuals with complex needs, has highlighted the need for a greater focus on expanding housing options.
According to new research from the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI), people on social housing waiting lists are facing longer wait times, which in turn exacerbates existing mental health challenges.
The report, The role of housing providers in supporting clients with complex needs, conducted by researchers from the University of New South Wales, Swinburne University of Technology, and the University of Tasmania, delved into the current issues and offers policy suggestions.
The AHURI study identified mental health as a central issue for many social housing applicants.
Uncertainty around housing, long wait times, and unsafe living conditions contribute to worsening mental health for those already dealing with significant health challenges.
The volatile and expensive rental market is also compounding the problem, making it harder for vulnerable individuals to secure stable housing.
The AHURI research highlighted the importance of secure housing for improving mental health outcomes.
Housing providers often serve as the first point of contact for clients with unmet mental health needs, positioning them as key players in helping clients access vital services.
Providing affordable, stable housing significantly reduces the pressure on mental health systems by offering a foundation from which individuals can address their other challenges.
One of the report’s recommendations is to develop the skills of housing service providers to better address the needs of clients with multiple support requirements.
By offering individual casework and assisting clients in navigating complex support networks, housing providers can ensure more effective assistance.
The researchers also suggested prioritising these clients within social housing registries to accelerate their access to stable housing.
The AHURI report further highlighted the importance of providing affordable housing based on a percentage of income rather than market rates.
Such changes would help ease the pressure on social housing waiting lists by making housing more accessible for low- and moderate-income households, freeing up resources to assist those with the most critical needs.
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