A safe place to call home is something many of us take for granted. But for thousands of Australians, that stability is uncertain. A young person leaving foster care with nowhere to go. A mother and her children escaping domestic violence. A family forced out of their home as rent rises beyond what they can afford. These are just some of the realities behind Australia’s growing homelessness crisis.
Today, more than 122,000 Australians are estimated to be without a home on any given night, with more than 28,000 aged between 12 and 24¹, highlighting the scale of a complex issue affecting communities across the country.
One of the biggest drivers of homelessness is Australia’s housing affordability crisis. As rents rise and affordable housing becomes harder to find, many households are pushed into financial stress. Domestic and family violence is another major cause. Many women and children must leave their homes suddenly to escape unsafe situations, often with limited financial resources or housing options. Young people leaving out-of-home care also face increased risk. Without family support or stable housing, they can struggle to transition into independent adulthood. Mental health challenges, unemployment and substance misuse can also contribute to homelessness, particularly when people lack access to the support services they need.
Homelessness affects every part of a person’s life. Without secure housing, maintaining employment, attending school or accessing healthcare becomes significantly harder. The stress of uncertainty can also have profound effects on mental health and wellbeing. For children and young people, housing instability can disrupt education and development, creating long-term disadvantages. When people have secure housing, they are far better placed to plan ahead, build their futures and connect with their communities.
Ending homelessness goes beyond simply providing shelter. It requires long-term solutions that support people in rebuilding stability.
This is where organisations like Mission Australia play a vital role. For more than 165 years, Mission Australia has been working to support people facing hardship. Through housing programs, community services and advocacy, the charity is helping Australians find stability, safety and the opportunity to rebuild their lives.
Mission Australia takes a holistic approach to tackling homelessness by addressing the underlying causes as well as providing housing. The organisation delivers services across several areas including housing and homelessness support, programs for children, young people and families, mental health support, employment and financial assistance, alcohol and drug rehabilitation, disability support services
“We welcome and work alongside people and communities who seek our support. We meet them where they are, focusing on their strengths and working together to provide support when going through tough times, so they can lead their best lives.”
In the 2024-2025 financial year, Mission Australia supported a staggering 141,552 people across the country, helping 7,929 people secure housing through its services and community housing.
Expanding access to affordable housing in Australia is central to Mission Australia’s work. Over the past five years, the charity has increased its community housing portfolio by more than 50 percent, growing from 3,000 to more than 4,500 homes, nationally, with new developments underway. Specialised housing programs also support vulnerable groups, such as youths and women and children escaping violence.
However, preventing homelessness is just as important as responding to it. Mission Australia’s tenancy support programs help people who are at risk of losing their homes by providing rental support, financial counselling and practical advice. These early interventions make a significant difference. Ninety-eight percent of people receiving tenancy support were able to remain housed and avoid homelessness.
As Mission Australia explains, “At the heart of everything is our belief that everyone should feel safe, welcome, valued and supported.”
But meaningful change doesn’t happen alone - it happens when communities, organisations and individuals come together to support one another.
Our latest Fressko Cause Cup, created in collaboration with renowned Australian illustrator Brolga, has landed. This limited-edition Fressko x Brolga collection supports Mission Australia, with $2 from every reusable cup or drink bottle sold donated to help Australians experiencing homelessness. Just like the Boobie Cup, this collection uses creativity as a force for good, bringing together art, purpose and positive impact.
Mission Australia’s vision is clear: Together building hope and possibility for all. Supporting that vision can start with the small choices we make every day, even something as simple as the cup you carry with you.
Carry your coffee with purpose.
Shop the Fressko x Brolga Cause Cup and help support Mission Australia, with $2 from every cup donated to programs helping Australians experiencing homelessness.
Sources:
¹ ABS (2021) Census of Population and Housing: Estimating Homelessness
²Mission Australia (2025) Annual Report FY24-25 - Mission Australia