The 2021 Census data has been released, revealing that
122,494 Australians are experiencing homelessness - up 5.2% since 2016.

The 2021 Census data has been released, revealing that 122,494 Australians are experiencing homelessness - up 5.2% since 2016.

The Census provides a snapshot of Australia in August 2021 – but the reality of the 18 months since indicates the state of homelessness may be even worse now. The impacts of Covid-19, rising costs of living and the housing crisis mean that we are seeing more people than ever before accessing our services.
Experiences of homelessness are incredibly complex and diverse, and Orange Sky exists to support people whenever and wherever it’s needed most – whether that’s on our regular weekly shifts or through community recovery efforts when the unexpected happens.

Our friends

Behind every statistic is a human being, each with their own story to tell and experiences to share. Since Census night in August 2021, Orange Sky has supported the community with 107,657 loads of laundry, 10,086 showers, and 123,363 hours of genuine and non-judgemental conversation. (Current as at 28 Feb 2023) Orange Sky’s mobile laundry and shower service is our vehicle for supporting the community, but the conversation and connection that happens on shift is the fuel that powers our impact.

Working with Australian Bureauof Statistics

Orange Sky partnered with the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) in 2021 to support the collection of data from friends accessing our services. The Census team visited over 100 Orange Sky shifts - across every state and territory. Leaning on the existing connections between volunteers and friends, Orange Sky played a critical role in helping the ABS reach those in the community experiencing homelessness and disconnection - in a trusted space where they felt safe and comfortable. Census data helps us identify where our services are needed the most, and how we can best support those doing it tough. The more information we have, the better informed we can be.

Working with Australian Bureau of Statistics

Orange Sky partnered with the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) in 2021 to support the collection of data from friends accessing our services. The Census team visited over 100 Orange Sky shifts - across every state and territory. Leaning on the existing connections between volunteers and friends, Orange Sky played a critical role in helping the ABS reach those in the community experiencing homelessness and disconnection - in a trusted space where they felt safe and comfortable. Census data helps us identify where our services are needed the most, and how we can best support those doing it tough. The more information we have, the better informed we can be.

Questions you might have

The Census data is from 2021, what about now?
Since Census night 2021, the need for our services has grown 13% in metropolitan areas, 16% in remote communities and 38% in regional locations. The ongoing effects of Covid-19, increased cost of living and housing crisis have meant the demand for our services continues to grow. (Current as at 28 Feb 2023)

Who can use Orange Sky services?
Anyone! There is no eligibility criteria to visit one of our shifts. Some people visit for the free, clean laundry and others just for a chat. Our non-judgemental volunteers are on shift every week, to support anyone who visits.

How can I help?
By supporting Orange Sky, you are supporting people doing it tough through access to clean laundry, warm showers and genuine, non-judgemental conversation and connection. There are many ways to get involved – join our team of dedicated volunteers, donate to fund our services or simply have conversations about homelessness in your community.

Help Orange Sky

Support the growing number of people doing it tough by volunteering your time, spreading the word or donating money to ensure our services are there when someone needs it.

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