The homelessness crisis in Mildura has reached alarming levels, with a 95.4 per cent increase in homeless individuals between 2016 and 2023, according to St Vincent de Paul Society president Mark Gaetani.
The total number of homeless people in Mildura rose from 264 to 516, affecting 74 people per 10,000 compared to the state average of 42 per 10,000.
The situation in Mildura is particularly dire, with 45 per cent of homeless individuals living in overcrowded dwellings, 20 per cent in supported accommodation, 15 per cent in boarding or rooming houses, 10 per cent couch surfing, and 9 per cent rough sleeping.
In recognition of National Homelessness Week, the Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, will be supporting The Mallee Accommodation and Support Program (MASP), the primary local agency addressing housing needs.
“MASP have a collection point at Mildura Central this week to donate goods.”
Image: https://pixabay.com/photos/homeless-vagabond-poverty-4520000/
