National and international studies have regularly shown the complexity and severity of health and welfare needs of those affected by homelessness. These needs, without appropriate intervention and supports, can instigate or lengthen periods of homelessness. However, difficulties and inequality in access to, and provision of, health and welfare for this population have frequently been highlighted.
This needs to be tackled if Australia is to decrease the number of individuals affected by homelessness as identified in the Australian Government’s White Paper “The Road Home”.