URGENT UPDATE: The Hunter region is in the grips of a devastating housing crisis, leaving vulnerable residents like Shjana Shelton battling homelessness. With soaring wait times for social housing and escalating rental costs, the situation has reached a breaking point.
Just 18 months ago, Shjana Shelton was forced to leave her home after receiving a vacate notice from Homes NSW. Since then, she has faced a grim reality of temporary accommodations, couch-surfing, and living on the streets. “I felt suicidal, it was very confronting,” she recounted, highlighting the urgent need for reform in the housing sector.
WAIT TIMES HIT RECORDS: As of December 2025, 2,279 people in Newcastle are on the waiting list for social housing, with some facing wait times of up to 10 years. Priority applicants are also in a dire situation, with almost 150 individuals waiting for urgent support.
Despite her struggles, Ms. Shelton believed she was eligible for housing assistance. However, Homes NSW deemed her ineligible due to her income of $2,153 per fortnight, just below the threshold for one adult and one dependent, which is $2,300. This has left her and others like her feeling trapped and abandoned.
The situation is compounded by a lack of affordable private rentals. According to Dawn Walker, CEO of Jenny’s Place, many older women are falling into homelessness due to strict income criteria that prevent them from accessing public support. “They are very low-income individuals and they are increasingly unable to sustain private rentals,” she stated.
RENT COSTS RISE: In the past five years, rental prices in Newcastle have surged by an average of 8.4% per annum. As of 2025, renters across the Hunter region are spending over 30% of their income on housing, according to National Shelter and SGS Economics and Planning.
Organizations like Nova for Women and Children report that many women seeking refuge from violence face the dual challenge of low incomes and a lack of rental history, making it nearly impossible to secure stable housing. “Women are forced to choose between secure housing and trying to build a work history,” noted CEO Brittany Jack.
The crisis has led to increased demand for services, with organizations like St Vincent de Paul reporting a rise in individuals seeking help. General Manager Glenn Beatty mentioned that many people supported by their services are classified as the “working poor,” highlighting the dire need for a more robust social housing framework.
Moreover, Matt Ortiger, General Manager at Soul Hub, has observed an alarming 11% increase in demand for services over the past year. “The problems we are seeing are way more complex now,” he remarked, emphasizing the urgent need for more funding and support services.
After losing her home in June 2024, Ms. Shelton left her job as she struggled to maintain employment without stable housing. “I probably spent a good seven months on the street,” she said, detailing the emotional toll of her situation. Currently, she is job searching while temporarily staying with a friend, desperately hoping for change.
This urgent housing crisis demands immediate attention from authorities and support organizations. As the situation continues to deteriorate, residents like Shjana Shelton are left pleading for help. “I just want to be able to know that people can walk into the housing office and ask for help, and know that they’re going to get the help they need,” she emphasized.
Support is available for those experiencing distress, but the need for systemic change in the housing sector has never been more critical. The Hunter region stands at a crossroads, and immediate action is essential to prevent further suffering among its most vulnerable residents.
