A new report from Swinburne University of Technology and YWCA Australia reveals the alarming toll of the housing crisis on young Australians, particularly women and gender-diverse individuals. The findings highlight the stark realities of unsafe living conditions, deteriorating mental health, and the daunting challenge of attaining financial independence. This blog post delves into the heartbreaking stories and urgent policy solutions needed to address this crisis. Housing crisis Mental health
Shattered Dreams and Sacrificed Well-being
The Swinburne University of Technology report paints a bleak picture of the housing crisis’s impact on young people in Australia. Interviewees, aged 18 to 30, described feeling “overwhelmed, hopeless, trapped, and crushed” by their housing situations.
Many young women and gender-diverse individuals are forced to live with family as adults to save on rent, only to find themselves sacrificing their mental health and well-being. As one participant noted, “The notion of saving money on rent by living at home, but paying with your mental health was common.” The fear of never being able to own a home or having to make significant compromises to do so has also taken a toll on their emotional and psychological well-being.
Reshaping the Traditional Life Course
The report reveals that the housing crisis is fundamentally altering the traditional life course that many young people expected to follow. Numerous participants felt that buying a home was out of reach or impossible, with women and gender-diverse individuals facing even greater challenges.
As one participant shared, “Buying or even renting is seen as unattainable without a partner who can earn more, potentially leading to disadvantage, particularly when considering future children.” This shift in expectations and the inability to achieve traditional milestones of adulthood, such as homeownership, have left many young people feeling lost and uncertain about their futures.
A Call for Urgent Action and Youth Empowerment
The Swinburne University of Technology research team and those impacted by the housing crisis have a clear message: action is urgently needed from Australia’s leaders. As Professor Wendy Stone, the lead author of the report, emphasizes, “Young people urgently need a seat at the table when it comes to decisions about housing.”
The report suggests several policy solutions, including ensuring that young women, gender-diverse individuals, and young men have access to affordable and safe housing. By amplifying the voices of the affected communities and involving them in the decision-making process, policymakers can work towards more effective and inclusive solutions to this pressing issue. Only by addressing the root causes and empowering young people can we hope to alleviate the devastating impact of the housing crisis on the lives and futures of Australia’s youth.
