Australias homelessness crisis is at a record high, with over 122,000 people affected annually. Kate Colvin, a leading advocate, refers to them as the disappearing people due to cleared rough-sleeping camps and demolished affordable housing towers. Rates are the worst in living memory, and support groups are pleading for federal funds to address a multimillion-dollar gap. Hidden homelessness is also surging, with a 25% increase in persistent cases and a sharp rise in young people and women seeking help. Frontline workers report a grim shift, as people move to riskier spots when camps are shut down. Local councils are stepping up crackdowns, and the federal government has announced a ten percent rent assistance boost and funding for new affordable homes. However, advocates argue that this is not enough without additional funding for immediate rehousing and services. Thousands of families could face the streets this Christmas, causing economic damage and deep human suffering. Urgent action is needed to rebuild the safety net before the crisis worsens.

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