Homelessness Week (August 4–10, 2025) offers a vital opportunity to spotlight the intersecting crises of homelessness and disability. In Australia, around 9% of Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS) clients have a disability, with approximately 2.8% (or nearly one third of that group) living with severe or profound disability (AIHW).
This striking overrepresentation stems from deep systemic factors. People with disabilities are significantly more likely to rely on government income support—up to 66% for those with severe disability—compared to around 7% for nondisabled Australians (CRE-DH). They also face higher rates of housing stress, homelessness, and unaffordable housing. And landlords are often unwilling to make accessible modifications, further narrowing housing options for those who need them most (Disability Support Guide).
The Challenges: Why people with disabilities become homeless
Income insecurity: Low disposable incomes and high living costs leave around one-third of people with severe disability in low-income households, and up to 28% experiencing difficulty paying bills (CRE-DH).
Inaccessible housing: Few rental properties are adapted to physical accessibility needs, and there is a national shortage of SDA (Specialist Disability Accommodation)—only about 6% of people with disability seeking longer-term housing obtain suitable social housing (dana.org.au).
Service gaps: People with psychosocial disabilities especially fall into gaps between mental health, disability, and homelessness sectors (Mind Australia).
Isolation and support barriers: Those living alone, without informal networks or community support, are especially vulnerable (AIHW, People with Disability Australia).
So, what is already trying to help — and where else can we look for solutions?
1. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
Under NDIS, individuals with permanent and significant disability can access Core, Capacity-building, and Capital supports—including assistive technology, home modifications and social participation programs. Importantly, Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) provides disability-specific housing. However, many SDA homes remain vacant due to a lack of eligible applicants or misalignment with needs—highlighting the importance of better connection tools like the SDA Finder and planning support for those accessing the NDIS.
2. Policy Initiatives
On the policy front, the revised National Disability Strategy and a Targeted Action Plan (2025–27) now include homelessness as a priority, aiming to boost coordination between housing, social, and disability systems (homelessnessaustralia.org.au).
3. Homelessness and crisis support services
National peaks like Homelessness Australia and frontline providers—such as The Salvation Army, Red Cross, Mission Australia—offer immediate crisis assistance: emergency shelter, meals, case management, and tenancy-sustainment support (servicesaustralia.gov.au).
4. Community and advocacy efforts
Organisations like People with Disability Australia offer peer support and navigate experiences of homelessness, domestic violence, and service exclusion (People with Disability Australia -). Meanwhile, advocacy groups like Everybody’s Home and Homelessness Australia are campaigning for expanded social housing, tenant protections, and data driven solutions to close the gap for disabled people (homelessnessaustralia.org.au, dana.org.au, homelessnessaustralia.org.au).
What more could be done?
Expanded SDA supply: Better matching tools and outreach to ensure vacancies serve eligible individuals.
Housing First for people with disability: Embedding disability-sensitive Housing First models—supportive housing that prioritises immediate permanent housing plus wraparound supports has been shown to reduce crisis service use and hospitalisations.
Income supports and rent subsidies: Ensuring the Disability Support Pension and rental assistance are adequate to keep people with disabilities housed and stable.
Service coordination: Bridging NDIS, homelessness, mental health, and domestic violence services to prevent people slipping through gaps.
At Empowered Liveability, we are also working with organisations to repurpose SDA properties in areas where there is significant oversupply, but where the location may not be preferable. By making some necessary modifications and working with multi-disciplinary teams, we hope to provide housing options for those experiencing homelessness with disabilities who may not be eligible for SDA housing through the NDIS.
Homelessness isn’t just about lacking walls—it’s about lacking security, dignity, and support. For Australians with severe disabilities facing homelessness, the triggers are often structural: insecure income, inaccessible housing, and fragmented systems.
Yet real progress is possible. Through coordinated efforts—from housing and NDIS reforms to grassroots services and community advocacy—Homelessness Week 2025 can shine a light not just on the problem, but on the real possibilities of solutions.
This week, let’s amplify those stories, hold policy-makers accountable, and champion a future where every Australian—regardless of ability—has a safe, accessible place to call home.
