A person is homeless if he or she does not have access to safe, secure and adequate housing. Unsafe, insecure and inadequate housing includes housing:
in which the client did not feel safe (this can include the client's own home);
in which the client did not have a legal right to continued occupation of their home (security of tenure);
that lacked the amenities or resources necessary for living (such as adequate heating, plumbing or cooking facilities); and
provided by a Supported Accommodation Assistance Program (SAAP) agency of other emergency accommodation agency.
Collection and usage attributes
Guide for use:
This is the broadest definition of homeless and is not used for Commonwealth-State Housing Agreement (CSHA) reporting purposes. The definition of homeless that is used in CSHA data collections can be found in the 'Household - Greatest need status' metadata item.
Comments:
There is considerable concern over the number of homeless people in society and the assistance they require.
Collecting information on homeless people is problematic, as the concept of 'homelessness' encompasses elements in addition to whether, someone resides in a dwelling or not.
A SAAP client should either be homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless, as defined by the SAAP Act. A person who requires the support of a SAAP worker to maintain their current housing situation is at imminent risk.
Source and reference attributes
Submitting organisation:
SAAP National Data Collection Agency
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Origin:
SAAP National Data Collection collectors manual, 2001-02.
