NCJ Number
210728
Date Published
February 2005
Length
141 pages
Annotation
This final report presents findings of a study designed to identify the main factors that create and sustain homelessness among Australia’s indigenous population, particularly women and children.
Abstract
Little is known about indigenous women’s experiences of cycles of homelessness in Australia and what is needed to help them sustain tenancies. As such, the current research project undertaken by the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute sought to gain the perspectives of women and service providers regarding the cycle of homelessness, sustainable tenancy, and necessary policy supports and services. The goal of the project was to examine the pathways both into and out of homelessness for indigenous women, determine the structural and service barriers in the housing and welfare systems that are hindering sustainable tenancy, establish best practices models, and to recommend policy initiatives that would support sustainable tenancy. Methodology involved a literature and policy review, interviews with key stakeholders and support providers, and questionnaires and interviews with indigenous women in temporary shelters. The findings revealed that despite indigenous cultural norms compatible with a nomadic lifestyle, the women in this study identified a furnished, safe home as a need, although most women did not identify themselves as homeless. Service providers noted that this is a difficult population to provide service to due to their highly mobile lifestyle. Pathways into homelessness include drugs and alcohol abuse, unemployment and poverty, and overcrowding. Barriers to accessing support services include shame, lack of formal support structures, racial discrimination, and inherited debt. Recommendations focus on the need for culturally appropriate housing and for a greater awareness of the risk of homelessness faced by indigenous women and children. A holistic approach is suggested for both policy and support strategies, with attention paid to issues of unemployment and poverty, education, and the historical problem of homelessness among the indigenous populations. Tables, figures, appendix, references