Pandemic to lead to sharp spike in homelessness in NSW

Homelessness in parts of NSW will spike as much as 40 percent by June as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, according to a study released today.

Rising unemployment in the state will see homeless climb by 24 per cent statewide, a study from Equity Economics said, though some areas will see much sharper spikes.

Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Sydney City and the Inner South will see the biggest rises, with an expected 40 percent spike.

The Hunter, Coffs Harbour, Eastern Suburbs and Far Western NSW will also see a higher rise than the state overall.

That means an estimated 9000 more people in the state sleeping rough, and 88,000 families entering housing stress.

Such a rise would mean the highest number of homeless people in a generation.

Women will be at the greatest risk of housing stress, with mass unemployment directly linked to a rise in domestic violence.

Domestic violence is the single biggest cause in homelessness for women.

The study found a sharp spike in domestic violence between May and June this year, based on police reports in the Southern Highlands, the Shoalhaven, Capital Region, Outer West, Blue Mountains and Ryde.

The report was commissioned by Community Housing Industry Association NSW (CHIA), NCOSS and other housing peak bodies.

CHIA CEO Mark Degotardi has called on the NSW government to take immediate action to boost affordable housing.

"There simply isn't enough social and affordable housing in NSW now," he said.

"With the demand set to skyrocket in less than a year, we must immediately begin increasing supply."

Mr Degotardi said building more community housing was also an "incredibly jobs-intensive investment".

"There were already over 50,000 households on the social housing waiting list before COVID-19 hit," he said.

"The private market cannot ensure that everyone NSW can afford a secure roof over their head."