The Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Australia Calls for Urgent Action on Homelessness and Mental Health Crisis

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Australia has issued a powerful call to action, highlighting the urgent need to address the growing intersection between homelessness and mental ill-health. With nearly one in three people experiencing homelessness also facing mental health challenges, the Society warns that the crisis is deepening and demands a coordinated national response. Their statement, released alongside the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference’s 2025 Social Justice Statement, outlines the scale of the problem, the human stories behind it, and the comprehensive solutions needed to restore dignity and hope.

 Nearly 280,000 Australians seek homelessness services each year, with one in three also facing mental ill-health. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul urges urgent government action: more affordable housing, integrated mental health support, increased JobSeeker rates, and wrap-around programs to restore dignity and help people rebuild their lives. read more