General News
8 August, 2026
No beds for many people
CAIRNS residents are being invited to learn more about homelessness and hear directly from people with lived experience during a series of free community events as Homelessness Week (3-9 August) shines a spotlight on what support organisations say is a growing housing crisis.
The Cairns Housing and Homelessness Network (CHHN) hosted two free events on Monday 3 August, bringing together community organisations, service providers and people with lived experience to raise awareness of homelessness across the region.
CHHN chairman Mark Jentz said homelessness was often driven by poverty, housing unaffordability and inadequate support systems.
“This is why the Cairns Housing and Homelessness Network advocates for systemic reforms aimed at tackling the root causes of homelessness,” he said.
“It’s time for action, to create a future where homelessness is a thing of the past in Australia.”
The week comes as The Salvation Army warns homelessness has reached record levels nationwide, with more than 122,000 Australians now experiencing homelessness. The organisation says almost 289,000 people sought support from its homelessness services in the past year, while nearly 169,000 households remain on public housing waitlists.
The Salvation Army’s head of homelessness, Jed Donoghue, said rising housing costs were pushing more Australians into crisis.
“Rising rents, limited housing and ongoing cost-of-living pressures are pushing more Australians to breaking point,” he said.
Local organisations continue to provide support beyond Homelessness Week.
Youth Link, which has supported young people aged 12 to 24 across Cairns and Kuranda for more than 36 years, says its staff work year-round with young people and young parents experiencing homelessness or housing instability through drop-in support, casework and long-term relationships.
Youth Link will conclude Homelessness Week with a free community event from 11am to 2pm on Monday 10 August at 305 Severin Street, Parramatta Park, featuring free haircuts, a barbecue, refreshments, games and information from local organisations supporting young people.
Rosies – Friends on the Street also continues its outreach to people experiencing homelessness and social isolation in Cairns, with new branch coordinator Dom Roberts joined by deputy branch coordinators Etty Ruthana and Tania Menzel following a recent leadership handover.
Vinnies Queensland is also encouraging Far North Queenslanders to support its ninth Community Sleepout at Cazalys Stadium on Friday 8 August.
Mission Australia and Cairns Housing and Homelessness Network are partnering with homelessness services from across the region to host the week’s free community events, bringing together frontline organisations, people with lived experience and the public to raise awareness and encourage discussion about the causes of homelessness.
