The Limestone Coast is facing a worsening homelessness crisis, with Naracoorte among the towns where families, young people, and older residents are being pushed to the brink by rising housing costs and limited rental availability.

With doubling housing prices in the last five years, a Mount Gambier-based charity says the region is in the grip of a “housing and cost-of-living storm” that is leaving more people without a secure place to call home.

The [Naracoorte] News caught up with ac.care’s Homelessness and Community Services senior manager, Trish Spark, to discuss the issue, its impact on communities, and whether government strategies are having a meaningful impact.

We asked Ms Spark to define homelessness, and would someone who voluntarily leaves their home to live on the streets still be considered homeless.

“Homelessness is anyone who doesn’t have permanent or secure accommodation. This could include couch-surfing, sleeping rough, temporary accommodation with family or friends, or in a caravan park,” she said.

“This includes anyone in these circumstances, voluntary or not. However, someone who prefers this lifestyle will most likely not receive or ask for the same support as those whose circumstances have made them homeless.”

How big is the issue here?

Ms Spark said homelessness was a growing issue across the nation, and the Limestone Coast was no different.

“The driving factors are high cost of living and housing shortages. Due to housing shortages, rents are increasing all the time and at a rate that many people cannot afford, especially single people and families on low incomes or receiving government support payments,” she said.

Ms Spark said the region was experiencing a housing crisis with a growing number of older women also becoming homeless.

“Youth homelessness is also increasing in the region. The ac.care Limestone Coast homelessness service provided services to 442 people last financial year with 20 per cent of those being youth and 40 per cent reporting to have mental health issues. Being homeless increases the risk of poor mental health.”

Rising rents, fewer homes

According to ac.care, the demand for housing in the Limestone Coast far outstrips supply, with increasing numbers of locals unable to compete in the crowded private rental market.

“Even people who can afford rent are telling us they simply can’t find a house,” Ms Spark said.

“For those on low incomes or government payments, it’s even tougher — rents are climbing at a rate many just can’t keep up with. Housing shortages, high demand, and lack of affordability are having a huge impact on the number of people experiencing homelessness,” she said.

Who is affected?

Ms Spark said while youth homelessness remained a serious concern, older women were increasingly seeking help as well.

Limestone Coast data shows:

• 55 per cent of those affected are women
• 24 per cent are youth aged 15 25
• Children also make up a large share: 14 per cent are aged 0 9
• Smaller, but growing numbers of older residents — particularly women aged 45 64 — are finding themselves without secure housing.

What are people telling you?

Ms Spark said those who visited their office stated that they could not find housing even if they had the affordability.

“Others are stating there is nothing they can afford or any inspection they attend has large numbers of people applying for the property.

“People are also struggling to keep up with food prices and utility bills. If anything unexpected happens, they are unable to manage it as there is no opportunity to build savings.

“The lack of available public housing is putting a real strain on the private rental market,” she shared.

SE’s key gaps: Understanding and support

One of the biggest challenges in the region, Ms Spark added, was changing perceptions.

“Some people believe that those who are homeless in the region choose to be that way, which is of course not true. The housing crisis, homelessness, and people experiencing disadvantage won’t be solved without a whole-of-community approach, including assistance through business.”

Is the state government’s response having a meaningful impact?

Ms Spark said addressing homelessness needed support from government, business, and the community.

“Homelessness is everybody’s business.

“Without a combined effort and a large increase in available housing, the crisis won’t be solved. It will also require an increase in mental health services and a willingness for all government agencies to work together to end homelessness. A combined effort to target the cost of living and housing crisis is urgently required,” she said.

Seeking support

For those in need, ac.care provides assistance across the Limestone Coast. Support is available via ac.care.org.au or by calling 1300 ACCARE (1300 222 273).

This article appeared in The Naracoorte News, 10 September 2025.