The Briefing How you can help Australians doing it tough this festive season
Dec 24, 2025
In this festive discussion, Ben Kharblas, the Deputy CEO of Mission Australia and an experienced leader in homelessness services, sheds light on the difficult realities many face during Christmas. He shares insights on the loneliness and mental health struggles that spike during this time. Ben also debunks myths about who experiences homelessness, revealing a growing number of employed people among them. He emphasizes the importance of community support, urging listeners to volunteer and help combat isolation through events like Christmas Lunch in the Park.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Holidays Amplify Hardship
- Christmas can amplify financial pressure and loneliness for people experiencing homelessness.
- The holiday season often deepens isolation and mental-health challenges for those without stable housing.
Most Homeless People Are Hidden
- The visible 'rough sleeper' stereotype represents only about 6% of Australia's homeless population.
- Most people experiencing homelessness are hidden: couch-surfing, living in overcrowded homes or cars.
Cost Pressures Are Driving New Entrants
- Rising rents and cost-of-living pressures are rapidly driving new people into homelessness.
- Increasing numbers of low-income and even employed people cannot afford steady rentals.