# Can Australia End Homelessness? Yes, We Know How, but We Must Find the Will to Do It  ## About - Author: David McKenzie - Title: Can Australia End Homelessness? Yes, We Know How, but We Must Find the Will to Do It - Tags: #articles - URL: https://www.unsw.edu.au/newsroom/news/2024/08/can-australia-end-homelessness?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0BMAABHZ4tMVAvKWecf7r2Xr5gkABp6pAAd6JPWGKGOyDkuMwz9gV8AUufuDYY6g_aem_nov4NjLUnvopKvEyTT0ong&utm_id=23846484758360575&utm_content=120210023363130576&utm_term=120210023363170576&utm_campaign=23846484758360575&sfnsn=mo ## Highlights The arguments and evidence about what needs to be done to reduce and ultimately end homelessness are compelling. Together with long-term investment in social and affordable housing, major investment in prevention is needed. This is particularly relevant for young people, especially those leaving state care (such as foster care), and women and children escaping from domestic violence. Prevention will reduce the flow of many people into crisis services. Investment in prevention will also lead to [significant cost savings](https://www.ahuri.edu.au/sites/default/files/migration/documents/AHURI_RAP_Issue_104_The_cost_effectiveness_of_homelessness_programs.pdf) in other areas of government budgets, such as health and justice as well as Centrelink. The forthcoming national strategy may well be the beginning of the end of homelessness. There is a way, but is there the political will? If we persist with the status quo of crisis management, homelessness is destined be a costly forever problem. - Note: It's interesting to follow the flow on effects that having access to a safe home can have - better health outcomes, productivity, less crime. ---