Wednesday 21 March 2018

National housing campaign helping Hunter residents

BY MARISSA ALEXIOU

As homelessness rates increase across the Hunter, the region has welcomed the new national housing campaign Everybody's Home.

The campaign will focus on delivering affordable housing solutions to everyone and improving Australia's housing system.

Newcastle housing provider, Compass attended the launch of the campaign this week.

Compass is lobbying alongside more than 30 other organisations for the government to implement its five-point plan for housing.

The plan includes meeting the demand for additional housing by supporting first home buyers, increasing support for renters and reducing homelessness.

The most recent Census data shows homelessness has risen nationally, with 6,000 people on the waiting list for social housing in the Hunter.

CEO of Compass Housing Greg Budworth said the campaign calls immediately for the government to look at increasing supply to meet much-needed demand.

"The system is broken. We need a responsible ministry and a coordinated effort between the states," he said.

Mr Budworth said many are unable to cover basic needs such as food, education and medical expenses due to the rising cost of housing.

The community can get involved by visiting everybodyshome.com.au.

Source: http://everybodyshome.com.au/