New centre to tackle housing stress

A new centre to address homelessness and housing market imbalances in Australia has been launched at the University of Adelaide.

The Centre for Housing, Urban and Regional Planning − comprised of University researchers, academics and other practitioners − aims to assist some of the most disadvantaged people in Australia, according to its Director, Professor Andrew  Beer.

"People affected with disabilities, Indigenous Australians, people living in remote areas and also those people impacted by industry restructuring will be our focus," Professor Beer said.

"One in every 200 people in Australia is living without safe, secure, affordable and appropriate housing and as many as 16,000 people are sleeping rough every night in this country, many with a psychiatric disability.

"Homelessness right across the board is increasing, particularly among young people and older women," Professor Beer said.

The centre will also look for solutions to housing stress, which affects about 1.3 million Australian households, according to the latest statistics.

For more information about the centre go to: adelaide.edu.au/churp