One in four Australians believe they could lose their home after an unexpected setback
One in four Australians are not confident they could avoid homelessness after an unexpected setback, according to new national research commissioned by Wesley Mission ahead of Homelessness Week (3-9 August 2026).
The McCrindle survey* finds 24 per cent of Australians are only slightly confident, or not at all confident, they could avoid homelessness if they experienced job loss, serious illness, family violence, relationship breakdown or a sharp increase in housing costs.
The research also shows Australians are rejecting the myth that homelessness is driven by personal choice. Nearly seven in ten believe homelessness could happen to almost anyone while just 12 per cent believe it mainly affects people because of their own choices.
The findings mirror what Wesley Mission sees every day as one of New South Wales' largest providers of specialist homelessness services. Many people seeking support never imagined they would need help until life took an unexpected turn.
Last year Wesley Mission supported 2,490 people experiencing or at risk of homelessness across Sydney the Central Coast and the Mid North Coast. The organisation also provided 122,795 nights of crisis and transitional accommodation and invested almost $600,000 to help people stay safely housed before they became homeless.
Wesley Mission Managing Director, Bay Warburton, says the findings show homelessness is closer to home than many Australians realise.
"One unexpected life event should not mean losing your home. Yet one in four Australians tell us they are not confident they could avoid homelessness if life takes an unexpected turn."
"Homelessness does not begin when someone sleeps rough. It often begins much earlier with a rent increase, a lost job, serious illness, family violence or relationship breakdown. More Australians now recognise homelessness is not about blame. It can happen to almost anyone when life circumstances change."
Warburton says the findings highlight the need to invest in prevention as well as crisis services.
"Crisis response alone is not enough. We need stronger prevention, early intervention and support before people lose their home. "With the right support at the right time we can help people through life's toughest moments before a housing crisis becomes homelessness."
