• Homelessness memorial in SA

More than 200 people turned out for the annual Homelessness SA memorial event in Adelaide.

Homelessness SA recently hosted the annual memorial to remember those who have passed away while experiencing homelessness in South Australia.

Representatives of The Salvation Army joined with approximately 200 others at Tarntanyangga/Victoria Square in Adelaide on 9 August.

Each year, people tragically lose their lives while experiencing homelessness. Spikes in the cost of living and a lack of housing have seen an increase in need across Australia, with more turning to services for support.Adelaide, in particular, has experienced the sharpest inflation in food of any capital city and has the lowest vacancy rates in Australia.

Homelessness has increased in South Australia since 2016, with demand for services rising by 60 per cent over the past four years. The rate of homelessness has increased by more than 14 per cent in the past five years. An estimated 170 individuals sleep rough on the streets of Adelaide every night.

Allen Edwards provided the Welcome to Country. The event was made possible due to the contributions of the Homelessness SA team, Fred’s Van, and the Salvos team.

– Anthony Castle