Social housing shortage affects thousands in New South Wales

Approximately 6,400 households across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, and the Hunter region are currently waiting for social housing. Of these, more than 765 households are on a priority list, which includes essential workers, low-income families, elderly individuals, and people fleeing domestic violence.

Aziza Anwari, a former journalist and women's rights advocate from Afghanistan, is among those impacted. After fleeing death threats from the Taliban for teaching women dance, singing, and swimming, Anwari arrived in Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic. She faced significant difficulty finding affordable private rentals before eventually securing social housing through the provider Home In Place.