In a recent interview with SBS’s Cameron Carr, Kate Colvin, the CEO of Homelessness Australia, shed light on the alarming health crisis associated with homelessness in the country. Colvin went on to stress that coronary heart disease is another serious danger for those who are homeless. This diagnosis would kill nearly nine Americans a day if left untreated. This statistic underscores the urgent need for comprehensive support and intervention strategies to address the health challenges faced by this vulnerable population.
Homelessness is a growing issue, with nearly 67,000 Australians experiencing homelessness each night, including women who are escaping gendered violence. Colvin reminded listeners that gendered violence is the leading cause of homelessness for women, so there needs to be gender-responsive support services. The median age of individuals experiencing homelessness is 55 years. This is in stark contrast to the Australian median life expectancy of 81.1 years for males and 85.1 years for females. To address this disparity, our focus should be on the most urgent health concerns driving early death for the populations who live without housing.
Colvin’s observations underscore a shocking pattern of preventable health complications that haunt those in our country who have no permanent address. Coronary heart disease isn’t just a number, it’s the brutal reminder that people live with every day. The disproportionate impact of preventable deaths on communities of color reflects a systemic failure to deliver essential healthcare services to our nation’s most vulnerable populations. The case for action is urgent, with premature health-related deaths continuing to rise as a leading cause of early death globally.
Support services are a critical component in helping individuals who experience homelessness and other adverse health outcomes. If you or someone you know needs support, call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732. They provide lifesaving support to the survivors of gendered violence. Further, Lifeline provides 24/7 crisis support at 13-11-14, and the Men’s Referral Service is available at 1300 766 491. Beyondblue Mental health support beyondblue.org.au, 1300 22 4636. These services are essential lifelines for those navigating the complexities of homelessness.
