Affordable housing and homelessness: The link for local government

This paper briefly explores the link for local governments between affordable housing and homelessness. Case study material from research funded by Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) (now Department of Social Services) is presented. It is argued that a majority of local governments understand the importance of affordable housing to address homelessness and recognise the demand that exists in their local areas for appropriate housing options. Local governments require greater access to financial, human and knowledge resources to tackle these challenges. The usefulness of The Tool Kit for Local Government is demonstrated. Case study material from Clarence Valley Council in regional NSW is presented to highlight how local governments can use a formal Affordable Housing Strategy to reduce the number of community members experiencing homelessness.