This Homelessness Week, Brophy proudly adds our voice to the call for Homelessness Action Now.
Homelessness in Australia is rising — and in many cases, it doesn’t look the way people might expect. While we often picture rough sleeping, the reality is that thousands of Australians are couch surfing, living in cars, staying in temporary accommodation, or sharing overcrowded spaces. For many, the cause is something completely out of their control — like family violence, sudden rental increases, or unexpected life disruptions.
At Brophy, we know that homelessness is not an individual failure. It’s a systemic issue that needs community-wide and government-level action.
The reality behind the headlines
According to recent national figures:
-
Over 122,000 people are experiencing homelessness on any given night in Australia.
-
Almost 1 in 4 are aged 12–24.
-
Women and children escaping violence are among the fastest-growing groups.
-
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are overrepresented at a rate 10 times higher than the rest of the population.
These statistics are confronting — and they reflect what we’re seeing in our own region.
What we’re doing
Brophy’s commitment to supporting people experiencing homelessness runs deep. Through our Youth Services, Housing Support and Linkages and Homelessness Support teams, and Family Violence programs, we support individuals and families across the South West who are facing or at risk of homelessness. That might mean:
-
Helping a young person find safe housing after leaving a violent home
-
Supporting a family on the brink of eviction to stay in their home
-
Connecting someone sleeping rough with wraparound care and a long-term plan
We also work to create early intervention pathways, so that young people have support before things reach crisis point.
How you can help
Not everyone can offer a home — but everyone can help. This Homelessness Week, we encourage you to:
-
Start a conversation — break down stigma
-
Donate to services helping on the frontline
-
Contact your local MP and ask them to support long-term housing strategies
-
Support local businesses and groups who are part of the solution
We also call on all levels of government to invest in safe, affordable, long-term housing and to prioritise the needs of those who are too often left behind.
Join us in the call
Homelessness is solvable — but only if we act together. This week and every week, we stand with the national movement calling for Homelessness Action Now.
Because everyone deserves a safe place to call home.