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There is no consistent definition for homelessness, but Mission Australia sees it as being a problem that goes much further than not having access to safe shelter. It goes beyond “rooflessness.”
People experiencing homelessness include those who sleep rough on the streets or under makeshift dwellings.
Although people who sleep rough are most visible to the public, they only represent six per cent of the homeless population.
Women, young people and families staying in refuges or crisis accommodation or who move from one temporary accommodation to another are also considered to be homeless.
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Then there are Australians of all ages who “couch surf” or stay with friends and family for limited periods of time.
Some people also stay in cheap hotels or in their cars.
People living in severely overcrowded dwellings or accommodation that falls well below basic community standards, such as boarding houses and caravan parks, can also be considered to be homeless.
The Wagga Mission Australia office provides support for a range of early intervention services including Brighter Futures, Gambling Help Counselling, Adolescent and Family Counselling, as well as the Eastern Murrumbidgee Youth Service which helps young people experiencing disadvantage or homelessness to access education and employment and counselling and includes supported crisis and transitional accommodation.
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