The Vulnerable Communities Supporting Plan focuses on supporting people facing financial stress or low incomes and aims to reduce homelessness and increase access to safe, secure and affordable housing.

Financial hardship can affect mental health, increasing stress, anxiety and depression. By addressing the social and economic factors that contribute to vulnerability, we aim to support the wellbeing of individuals and families across our city.

Maitland is one of Australia’s fastest-growing inland cities. Rapid growth brings opportunities but also financial challenges. Our goal is to manage this growth responsibly, creating a financially sustainable city while enhancing social wellbeing.

We want your input to help shape plans that aim to:

  • Ensure public spaces, facilities and events feel safe, welcoming and inclusive for all
  • Support people to live well by improving access to safe housing, financial support and social connections
  • Increase awareness and understanding of community needs through education, partnerships and advocacy to help address gaps in support

Financial stress refers to situations where households struggle to meet everyday financial commitments or access to emergency funds due to limited financial resources (ABS 2023).

Financial stress is a growing concern for Australian households, due to cost of living pressures and interest rate increases.

The causes of homelessness are numerous and complex. To name a few, homelessness can be triggered by financial difficulty, family breakdown, substance abuse issues and broader structural risk factors such as housing and labour markets. Domestic violence is the single biggest cause of homelessness in Australia.

A person is described as at risk of homelessness if they are at risk of losing their accommodation or they are experiencing one or more of a range of factors or triggers that can contribute to homelessness. (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2025)

Homelessness within the ABS, is captured in relation to people:

• Living in improvised dwellings, tents or sleeping out

• Living in supported accommodation for the homeless

• Staying temporarily with other households

• Living in boarding houses

• In other temporary lodgings

• Living in ‘severely’ crowded dwellings

Additionally, the ABS recognises people may be marginally housed but not classified as homeless, these people may be living in other crowded dwellings, people in other improvised dwellings and people marginally housed in caravan parks.

There are a range of local organisations that provide support for people who may need assistance. Click here to explore some of the services and supports currently available in the community.

If any of this information has raised concerns for you or made you feel distressed, please know that support is available. You can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 for 24/7 confidential crisis support. You can also access online chat via lifeline.org.au.

If you are in immediate danger, please call 000.

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