High house prices have likely forced many out of the market. Rents are surging as well, while the cost of living soars. For some, the loss of luxuries or even a little bit of financial breathing room hurts enough. Many more, however, are reaching out for support simply to make ends meet.

This masthead has documented numerous rises in demand from agencies who say they are beginning to see people who have never sought out support again. Those agencies, in turn, are pointing to the absence of government in helping people bearing the brunt of economic fortunes.

As a society we must be thankful for these groups who step in to pick up the pieces. Their compassion combined with the generosity of donors can truly make the difference for people who are desperate and ready to ask for help.

Homelessness NSW CEO Dom Rowe says services are "at breaking point" amid the surge.

Homelessness is complex, and there are many reasons that someone may find themselves facing the predicament.

But when, as Ms Rowe says, having a job or living regionally is "no longer enough to protect people against homelessness", we must consider there is a mental toll to such a precarious situation that will not immediately appear on the spreadsheet of demand.

Easing inflation pressures, which economists predict will ameliorate the problems this year, are no panacea.

Prices are unlikely to revert to past levels with immediacy, and businesses that have outlasted a pandemic and struggled through difficult trading conditions cannot endure lean times forever.

Support agencies are gradually becoming a chorus for greater government help in a sector that deals directly with people feeling the need for specialist services.

A major step would be increasing the supply of social housing. When crises abound in homelessness support, cost of living, house prices and rent, surely a greater network of social housing is warranted.

The problems seem largely interconnected, and so the solutions must be as well. The clock is ticking.