A deep dive into the real experience of Sydneysiders shows how many are living on the edge, facing the daily choice between keeping a roof over their head or putting food on the table.
Anglicare Sydney's latest Hungry or Homeless report shows housing is the single biggest pressure on people's budgets, with other Anglicare research indicating a 90% decrease in the number of affordable rentals available over the past five years.
The report shines a light on 23 lived experiences that show the very real consequences of an out-of-control housing and cost of living crisis.
Overall, there are 3.7 million, or one in seven Australians, living below the poverty line, including 757,000 children, many of whom are now being forced into impossible choices such as choosing between their child's medication or paying an overdue electricity bill.
Anglicare Sydney's Head of Advocacy and Research, Sue King, said the findings show that financial pressure is cutting across a broader cross-section of the community, including people who are working.
"What this report makes clear is that an increasing number of Australians are at the mercy of a system that is leaving them behind," he said.
"These challenges are not confined to the few. It includes people who are employed and live in private rentals.
"These are people doing everything right, working, budgeting carefully, making sacrifices, but still forced to choose between staying housed and feeding their families."
The report reveals interviewees routinely spent more than half their income on rent with even minor additional expenses pushing them into crisis.
It also showed how food insecurity is a consequence of cost-of-living pressures and insufficient income, and access to safe, affordable credit has been shrinking. This means daily decisions revolve around skipping care or meals to make sure rent is met.
There has also been a significant shift in people seeking support from Anglicare Sydney's Financial Wellbeing services.
Ms King said, "We have seen the profiles of those accessing Anglicare Sydney services change in a way that reflects just how far-reaching these struggles are.
"New clients are younger, more likely to be privately renting or in crisis accommodation, and less likely to rely solely on government benefits. The proportion at risk of homelessness has risen sharply, reflecting the widening impact of the crisis."
Without coordinated action, the report warns, more households will be pushed into hardship, increasing demand for emergency relief and placing further strain on community services.
Ms King said the findings point to deeper structural pressures, that need to be addressed by both the NSW and Federal Government.
"The NSW Government must ensure that keys-in-doors of social and affordable housing is a priority in the June NSW Budget. We need 25,000 homes by 2029, and 10% of all housing stock needs to be social housing to meet population needs.
"We're urging the Government to expand the supply of social and affordable housing, increase access to financial counselling and emergency support to help people manage rising costs."
Anglicare is also calling for the establishment of a landlord register for non-compliance, and the requirement for evidence for renovation evictions to protect vulnerable renters from a volatile market.
Other positive measures include investing in food rescue and cooperative buying networks, expanding No Interest Loan Schemes and better regulating Buy Now, Pay Later providers.
"Right now, too many Australians are being pushed to the brink. If we don't act now to address the underlying pressures, more people will be forced into these impossible choices, and the consequences will only become more severe," she concluded.
Profiles
Tim, 57, living in community housing
Tim's employer went into liquidation leaving him without holiday pay, super and entitlements. It took him 10 weeks to be approved for Centrelink payments, by which time he was behind on bills, meals and phone credits. To return to work he needs medical clearances which he can't afford to pay himself, but hasn't been on benefits long enough to access his own super, which would allow him to return to work.
Aaliyah, mother of three, living in private rental
Aaliyah prioritises her rent each fortnight to keep a roof over her head. When unexpected costs arise, she reduces spending on food, or medication.
Jane, on the aged pension, living in her car
Jane's rent in Western Sydney went from $330 to $440 a week, an increase she couldn't afford, so Jane now lives in her car. She typically eats one meal a day – a Happy Meal – because it is the cheapest option.
Daniel, 72, retired, living in private rental
Daniel is a retired truck driver, who lives with his wife and his adult daughter, who recently moved back in due to financial and health challenges. He and his wife live on the age pension and a modest superannuation, but rising costs have made it increasingly difficult to get by. A recent electricity bill of $1,480, nearly double what he paid 18 months ago, led Daniel to reach out for help.
Olivia, 61, a retired nurse and firefighter living in private rental
Olivia lives with her adult son, who is now her full-time carer. The entirety of Olivia's aged pension is consumed by rent, and on son's carer's payment they budget tightly for medication, petrol, and groceries.
To see all the real stories from the cost of living crisis and read the full report, visit https://digital.anglicare.org.au/hungry-or-homeless/
About us:
Anglicare Sydney is a Christian non-for-profit providing care to older people and community services throughout Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Illawarra, Southern Highlands, New England North West, Central West and Norfolk Island. Anglicare has been serving those in need for more than 160 years, employing more than 5,000 staff and serving alongside 1,300 volunteers. Anglicare provides a diverse range of services including providing care through residential aged care homes, at home care services, retirement living communities, affordable homes for people over 55, community services for children, families and those experiencing social isolation, disaster recovery in times of crisis and helping effecting change through research and advocacy.
