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The first Greater Hobart Homelessness Survey, a joint initiative of Common Ground Tasmania and the Salvation
Army, took place on 27th and 28th November 2011. Over 70 volunteers surveyed 44 people sleeping rough in
Greater Hobart about their housing and healthcare needs.  The volunteers used a survey tool called the
Vulnerability Index (VI). 
 
The VI captures housing, health, institutional history and other relevant data to develop a register of people who
are homeless and their housing and healthcare needs. It is based on research by Dr Jim O’Connell of Boston
Healthcare for the Homeless Program. His research shows 8 key health indicators place a homeless person at
a higher risk of dying than a person with the same health indicators who is housed. It is a targeted approach that
 ensures our most vulnerable citizens can be prioritised for appropriate housing and support services that are
matched with their needs.
 
The survey was the first step of the 50 Lives 50 Homes community campaign to house and support Hobart’s
50 most vulnerable homeless people within 6 months. Since November, we have continued to build the
Vulnerability Index data for Hobart’s chronically homeless population to ensure that, as a community, we can
house and support our most vulnerable citizens.
  

The top line survey results for the 149 surveys conducted between 27 November 2011 and 30 November 2012 are below.

 

Gender

Vulnerable

Not Vulnerable

Total

Male

78

35

113

Female

28

8

36

Total

106

43

149

Percentage

71%

29%

100%
      

Average age and time homeless

Vulnerable

Not Vulnerable

Overall

Average age (years)

39.18

38.10

38.87

Average years homeless

6.70

3.53

5.79
   

Age Bracket (All Respondents)

No.

%

25 and under

16

11%

26-35

43

29%

36-45

42

29%

46-55

33

22%

56-64

10

7%

Over 65

3

2%

Not Stated

2

1%

Total

149

100%
    

Risk Factor* (Vulnerable Respondents)

No.

%

Tri-morbid

89

75%

3 x ER or hospital in last year

50

42%

3 x ER last 3 months 

25

21%

> 60 years old

9

8%

HIV+/AIDS

1

1%

Liver Disease

47

39%

Kidney Disease

8

5%

Cold/Wet Weather Injury

17

15%

Total population identifying as vulnerable

117

100%

 

* One person can multiple risk factors.

The definition of Vulnerability that is being applied is:
 
  • More than 6 months street homeless AND at least one of the following:
- End stage renal disease 
- History of cold weather injuries
- Liver disease or cirrhosis
- HIV+/AIDS
- Over 60 years old 
- Three of more emergency room visits in prior three months
- Three or more ER or hospitalisations in prior year
- Tri-morbid (mentally ill + abusing substances + medical problem)
 
  • Under 25 risk factors:
- Alcohol everyday in past 30
- HIV+/AIDS
 
Further information
7.30 Report Tasmania - Report on Hobart Homeless Survey
 
7.30 Report Victoria - Report on Melbourne Homeless Survey
 
The Age - Nocturnal search for the homeless a matter of trust

Common Ground Tasmania and the Salvation Army gratefully acknowledge
 
  • The Tasmanian State Government
  • The 50 Lives 50 Homes Planning Group members, including Anglicare, Australian Retailers Association, Centacare, Centrelink, Colony 47, Hobart City Council, Housing Tasmania, Richmond Fellowship, Royal Hobart Hospital, Shelter Tasmania, Tasmania Police, University of Tasmania
  • The Australian Common Ground Alliance