How We Can End Australian Homelessness
Are radical new ideas needed to end homelessness in Australia for good?
Australian homelessness rates are rising, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic. Are radical new ideas needed to end homelessness in Australia for good? A Melbourne company is already well on the way to making sure there’s a home for everyone and everyone has a home.
Understanding homelessness
It is generally not a choice to be homeless. Extenuating circumstances such as domestic violence, drug addiction, the death of a partner, or unemployment means that any of us at any point could be a lot closer to the streets than we’d like to admit. It is said that it only takes three bad months financially to go from having a home to being on the streets; and that is a frightening statistic.
What’s more frightening is the life of those who call the streets their own. Single mothers raising children in cars, elderly men sleeping in doorsteps, and many who aren’t sure where their next meal is coming from exactly. It is a tough existence to simply survive; not just from being moved along for sleeping rough by the police but the fact that free access to facilities we take for granted (such as a warm bed, a heater, a shower, freshwater) is either completely unavailable or difficult to get.
An Australian company, No Fixed Abode, has come up with a radical new idea to not only end homelessness within Australia by providing assistance to their welfare needs - but with a very simple idea that comes before all that - providing a home first, then support.
Figuring out homelessness solutions
With more than 290,000 people seeking assistance for homelessness in the last year alone, it’s a concerning trend. Whilst ‘band-aid’ solutions have been provided in the past for those experiencing homelessness, many recipients find that whilst their welfare needs have been taken care of, the issue of housing is still the largest concern.
The Housing First scheme aims to eliminate the way this system has been operating for some time now by flipping the script. By providing housing first for homeless people, the bulk of the situation is taken care of. Obviously, it is not as simple as signing those up the program and putting them straight into a home. There are some logistics to consider, such as which public housing is available, can council buildings be freed up for vacancies, and most importantly - will new homes need to be constructed to satisfy the demand of ensuring each and every person has a dwelling in which to live.
This is not so much of a radical idea as an important one to watch from a country whose homelessness levels have fallen by 35% over the past decade. Since Finland introduced the Housing First scheme, the strategy has been highly effective since running on the model that housing is a basic human right.
No Fixed Abode has brought this idea to Melbourne and is now operating two Housing First buildings with more than 100 apartments. The plan to expand to other areas of Australia relies heavily on volunteers and government grants, with the idea of first eliminating homelessness within Victoria before expanding to other states.
In the event that more housing would need to be developed to manage the capacity of increasing homelessness within Australia, particularly after the wake of Covid-19 in 2020 which saw many comfortable tenants suddenly without funds to pay for their rentals or mortgages, cheaper building solutions could be easily implemented.
This would ensure a faster turnaround for those on the streets waiting to get into homes as well as fewer downtimes between builds. Kit homes or other small build apartments could be quickly and easily erected to service the needs of the Housing First scheme. As these houses tend to come in uniform styles with few alterations, as well as time-saving measures in the fact they simply need to be put together on-site, multiple dwellings could be built within months to service homeless needs.
Putting homelessness in perspective
With Australia giving over $1.5 billion dollars towards social housing and homelessness over the 2019/2020 period, the need to eradicate this problem for good is one that weighs heavily on many people’s minds.
During this global shift, perhaps now is the time to implement these measures that put people at the forefront, and change the global consciousness or taboo that homeless people are somehow “lesser” or “undeserving” of basic human rights.
When our people flourish, our country flourishes; and in 2020, it’s unacceptable we are still experiencing homelessness when there are better solutions than what is currently being implemented.
In any case, the Housing First scheme is one to watch and support, also creating a multitude of job opportunities in the building and social work sectors. Will Australia see a shift over the next 10 years to eliminate homelessness? Yes, if we continue to fund such schemes as seen producing positive results such as in Finland and Melbourne.
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German Troops Deploy to Greenland: What This Means for Arctic Security
Germany is preparing to send military personnel to Greenland, a move that has captured attention across Europe and the Arctic region. While Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark, its strategic location in the Arctic has made it a focus of international interest. With climate change opening new shipping routes and nations eyeing untapped natural resources, the Arctic has transformed from a remote, frozen frontier into a geopolitical hotspot. Germany’s deployment signals a significant step in NATO’s Arctic strategy and raises questions about the purpose and implications of military activity in this once-quiet region. Why Greenland Matters Greenland is the world’s largest island, strategically positioned between North America and Europe. Its location makes it vital for transatlantic security, satellite monitoring, and potential shipping lanes that are increasingly accessible due to melting Arctic ice. The region is rich in natural resources, including rare earth minerals, oil, and gas. As global demand for these resources grows, nations are investing in Arctic presence to protect economic and strategic interests. Greenland’s vast ice sheets also make it an important area for scientific research and environmental monitoring. Germany’s Arctic Strategy Germany’s deployment of military personnel to Greenland is part of a broader NATO-led strategy to strengthen Arctic defense capabilities. While Germany does not have territorial claims in the region, its participation reflects concern over growing Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic. Russia has long maintained a military presence along the Arctic coast, while China has invested in Arctic infrastructure and shipping routes under its “Polar Silk Road” initiative. By stationing troops in Greenland, Germany aims to: Enhance NATO Cooperation: Strengthening ties with Denmark and other NATO members ensures a coordinated defense posture in the Arctic. Joint training exercises and shared resources improve readiness for potential emergencies. Monitor Strategic Areas: Greenland is home to vital radar installations and early warning systems that are crucial for monitoring missile activity and airspace in the North Atlantic. German personnel can contribute to these operations, improving surveillance and intelligence sharing. Support Environmental and Scientific Missions: Military personnel often assist with logistical support for scientific research, providing expertise in remote operations, transportation, and communications in harsh Arctic conditions. Geopolitical Implications Germany’s move comes at a time of increasing tension and competition in the Arctic. With ice sheets melting faster than expected, new shipping routes like the Northwest Passage and the Northern Sea Route are becoming navigable for longer periods each year. This opens opportunities for international trade but also raises security concerns, including territorial disputes and the protection of critical infrastructure. The presence of German troops underscores the importance NATO places on collective security in the Arctic. It also signals to other global powers, particularly Russia and China, that European nations are committed to maintaining influence and stability in the region. Cooperation or Competition? While the deployment emphasizes defense, it also highlights opportunities for international cooperation. Arctic nations, including the U.S., Canada, Norway, and Denmark, have traditionally collaborated on scientific research, environmental protection, and maritime safety. Germany’s arrival could support these efforts, demonstrating that military presence does not necessarily mean conflict but can enhance shared operational capabilities. However, the deployment may also intensify geopolitical competition, especially if more countries begin stationing forces or conducting exercises in the Arctic. Observers note that maintaining a balance between security and cooperation will be key to avoiding tensions in a sensitive environment. Challenges of Arctic Deployment Stationing military personnel in Greenland is not without difficulties. The Arctic presents extreme weather conditions, logistical challenges, and limited infrastructure. German troops will need specialized training in cold-weather operations, survival skills, and mobility across ice and snow-covered terrain. Maintaining supply lines is another significant challenge. Remote bases in Greenland require careful planning for food, fuel, and equipment transport. Communication can also be difficult due to limited satellite coverage and harsh environmental conditions. Despite these challenges, Germany’s military has invested in Arctic training programs and has experience participating in NATO exercises in cold climates, ensuring that personnel are prepared for the operational demands of Greenland. Environmental Considerations Military activity in Greenland must also consider environmental impacts. The Arctic ecosystem is fragile, and increased human presence could affect wildlife, ice integrity, and local communities. German and NATO forces are expected to follow strict environmental guidelines to minimize their footprint and ensure that operations align with sustainability goals. What This Means for Local Communities Greenland’s local population, primarily Inuit, has expressed mixed reactions to increased foreign military presence. While some see it as a source of economic opportunities and infrastructure development, others are concerned about sovereignty, cultural impacts, and environmental risks. Danish authorities, in collaboration with Greenland’s government, aim to ensure that foreign deployments respect local laws and traditions while providing security and economic benefits. Conclusion Germany’s planned deployment of military personnel to Greenland reflects the growing importance of the Arctic in global geopolitics, environmental monitoring, and strategic security. While challenges in extreme conditions and environmental concerns must be addressed, the move underscores NATO’s commitment to collective defense and international cooperation in a rapidly changing region. As the Arctic continues to warm and new shipping routes emerge, nations will increasingly need to balance security, science, and sustainability. Germany’s presence in Greenland represents not just a military strategy but a signal that the Arctic is becoming a central arena for international collaboration and competition. The arrival of German troops in Greenland is more than a deployment—it’s a statement about the future of the Arctic, global security priorities, and the growing interconnection between climate, technology, and defense. How nations navigate this sensitive frontier will shape geopolitical and environmental outcomes for decades to come.
By Muhammad Hassanabout an hour ago in The Swamp
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