Collaborative Efforts to Tackle the Housing Crisis
Experts and community organisations in south-western Sydney came together in a webinar on July 19 to discuss the impacts of the housing crisis and explore potential solutions. The session included more than 100 attendees from various sectors and was hosted by CORE Community Services.
Panel Participants
The webinar featured a panel of representatives from government, community services, schools, and CORE Community Services, providing diverse perspectives on housing and homelessness in the region.
Key Challenges Identified
Rising Housing Costs and Rental Stress
The discussion highlighted how increasing house prices, high rents, and low rental vacancies are placing significant pressure on families and individuals. Housing stress is affecting access to basic needs such as food and heating, contributing to a greater demand for support services.
Vulnerable Populations
Families experiencing domestic and family violence face additional barriers to safe accommodation. Many rental properties are in poor condition, overcrowded, or infested with mould, creating unsafe living environments, particularly for children and young people.
Proposed Solutions and Initiatives
Establishing a Housing Taskforce
One solution identified was the creation of a broad-based housing taskforce, including not-for-profit organisations, service providers, government, and private sector partners, to collaborate on new approaches to the housing crisis.
Innovative Housing Approaches
The use of low-cost modular housing was proposed as a potential solution to provide immediate accommodation and ease the pressures on the housing system.
Community Collaboration
The session emphasised the importance of working collaboratively across the community to bring new ideas, share resources, and support those most in need.
Moving Forward
The webinar provided a platform to identify practical and innovative solutions, strengthen cross-community collaboration, and explore strategies to address one of south-western Sydney’s most pressing social challenges.