Couch surfers: A profile of specialist homelessness services clients
Feb 1, 2019
In December 2018 the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) released a report exploring the circumstances, experiences and housing outcomes of couch surfers. The data was collected from clients who sought assistance from specialist homelessness services between 1 July 2011 and 30 June 2015.
Couch surfers are among the most hidden groups of people experiencing homelessness. The report assists us to understand the issues which may be facing the couch surfing population, often a type of homelessness which can be overlooked, and which some of our clients may be experiencing. The data collected from services that couch surfers accessed for support showed that couch surfers are more likely to be female, younger (15–24 years), not in the labour force and live alone.
To read the full report go to Couch surfers: a profile of Specialist Homelessness Services clients