Australia takes on homelessness

Communities across Australia will help raise awareness to homelessness by participating in more than 150 events throughout Homelessness Prevention Week.

Communities across the country will step up to help people living on the streets by participating in more than 150 events throughout Homelessness Prevention Week.

Community organisations, governments, schools and individuals will host art shows, poetry competitions and more to help raise awareness of homelessness, which affects more than a 100,000 people each year.

Homelessness Australia CEO Glenda Stevens says the week not only helps support those without a home but is also an opportunity for those experiencing other problems such as domestic violence to reach out to available services.

Homelessness Prevention Week will be held from August 3-9.

HOMELESSNESS AT A GLANCE:

* One in every 200 people are homeless

* Domestic violence is the number one cause for homelessness

* NSW has the largest number of people experiencing homelessness

* In NSW, more than 28,000 people are homeless