An estimated 1400 people were homeless in the Illawarra and surrounds, even before the effects of COVID-19 and last summer's bushfires were taken into consideration.
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Meanwhile, data shows 8700 social housing properties were needed to meet demand across the federal electorates of Gilmore, Cunningham and Whitlam.
To launch Homelessness Week 2020, Homelessness Australia and national housing and homelessness campaign Everybody's Home have released interactive heatmaps that show the level of homelessness and social housing shortages across regional NSW.
The data, calculated before job losses due to COVID-19 and those left homeless by last summer's bushfires, was derived from a combination of ABS figures and Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute research.
The social housing need is calculated by the amount of people homeless in a locality, as well as the number of people in severe rental stress.
The data shows that regional areas of NSW along the North Coast and South Coast are among areas with the highest social housing need and homelessness.
The figures show the electorate of Gilmore - which was ranked No.10 of 21 federal electorates in NSW outside Sydney - had a social housing need of 3300 properties, and 400 homeless persons.
In Cunningham, there was a social housing need of 2900 properties, and 600 homeless people.
In Whitlam, there was a social housing need of 2500, and 400 homeless people.
In Eden-Monaro, there is a need for 2200 social housing properties, and 400 homeless people.
According to the data, more than 10,400 people are homeless in NSW outside of Sydney on any one night.
As part of Homelessness Week, Homelessness Australia and Everybody's Home are calling on all federal MPs to sign a social housing pledge, committing to investment in social housing to help end homelessness.
"We have more than 300 member organisations that will be meeting with their local MPs to discuss the numbers in their electorates, and how they can support the call for urgent investment in social housing," Everybody's Home spokesperson Kate Colvin said.
"Homelessness and social housing need are significant issues in the Illawarra."
Chair of Homelessness Australia Jenny Smith said the heatmaps show that homelessness is a problem in all Australian communities, whether they are remote, regional or metropolitan.
"People often think homelessness is an issue mainly in cities and CBDs, but the maps show that to be a myth," Ms Smith said.
"The lack of housing that people can afford is not only the biggest cause of homelessness, but it also prevents people escaping from homelessness."
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Brendan Crabb
I'm a member of ACM's national property team, covering the Illawarra and South Coast. Based in Albion Park, NSW, I write about exciting, interesting or just downright quirky properties that have been listed for sale, major sales, market trends, auctions and more. One of my favourite aspects of being a journalist is I believe everyone has a story to tell. What's yours?
I'm a member of ACM's national property team, covering the Illawarra and South Coast. Based in Albion Park, NSW, I write about exciting, interesting or just downright quirky properties that have been listed for sale, major sales, market trends, auctions and more. One of my favourite aspects of being a journalist is I believe everyone has a story to tell. What's yours?
