Encouraging and supporting more affordable rental development was one idea generated at NSW Council of Social Service’s (NCOSS) conference in Orange on Tuesday.
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The NCOSS conference attracted representatives from Housing Plus, Anglicare, LiveBetter Community Services and Orange City Council, as well as state government representatives.
According to NCOSS there is no “affordable” private rental housing – defined as being worth 30 per cent or less of a weekly income – in Orange for people on Newstart allowances.
Additionally, there is up to a 10-year wait for social housing in Orange, Dubbo and Bathurst, which is increasing the risk of homelessness.
NCOSS’ deputy CEO Melanie Fernandez said the conference heard about a woman who faced homelessness after her marriage ended and she had no savings or job to fall back on.
Ms Fernandez said the obstacles in securing social housing meant she had three weeks to find help before being forced onto the street.
“We’re all one step away from housing stress or at risk of homelessness,” she said.
Ms Fernandez said the concept of “affordable rental properties” didn’t simply refer to cheap rent, but also the type and quality of properties available.
“There’s four-bedroom homes often available, but the greatest need is for one- to two-bedroom properties,” Ms Fernandez explained.
“The greatest growing segment of homeless people are single, elderly women who can’t get a one- or two-bedroom property which is affordable.”
Ms Fernandez said planning legislation at the state and local level should be changed to ensure residential developments had 30 per cent set aside for affordable rental housing.
However, she said it required recognition and understanding that affordable housing was one element of support to help people get back on their feet.
“For people who are reliant on a pension or youth allowance it’s not a living wage and it’s not keeping pace with the rising cost of living,” she said.
Ms Fernandez said some people were paying up to half their weekly income into rent.
“For these people, the reality of owning a home is just not on the cards,” she said.
Ms Fernandez said only people with the “most complex” needs got to the front of the line for public housing.