The number of employed Victorians seeking assistance from homelessness services increased by 14 percent last year.

According to a report by the Council to Homeless Persons, use of homelessness services by employed people increased in 61 of 80 local government areas (LGAs).

The outer-Melbourne suburbs of Casey and Wyndham reported the largest rises of people seeking help with 641 and 624 employed people seeking help in those LGAs respectively. The report, which analysed data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, identified Greater Geelong, Greater Bendigo, and Greater Dandenong as part of the top five LGAs.

Women comprised more than 70 percent of people seeking assistance, furthering the risk of child and family homelessness. Council to Homeless Persons CEO Deborah Di Natale says women are at the centre of this crisis.

“Employed women escaping family violence are often faced with the impossible choice between shelter and abuse,” she said.

This new data comes as Victoria faces a joint cost-of-living and housing crisis. Di Natale said the outer suburbs of Melbourne and Victoria’s regional areas are the face of the crises.

“This alarming rise in working Victorians seeking homelessness support is a frightening new front in the state’s crippling housing crisis,” she said

“Not even a job is enough to guarantee a roof over people’s heads.”

Around 12,146 employed people sought homelessness assistance last year as Victorian rent increased another 15 percent after hitting a record high in 2023. The report said Victoria will need an additional 6,000 public and community houses every year over the next 10 years to bring Victoria up to the national average.

“We can’t let this crisis slide into catastrophe,” Di Natale said.

The Council to Homeless Persons is calling for a $5.6 million increase to the Private Rental Assistance Program in the upcoming May budget.

Photo: Homeless by duncan cumming is available HERE and is used under a Creative Commons Licence. This image has not been modified.