Living in cars, couch surfing: The reality of the local housing crisis

May 22, 2026

This article was first published by Southern Highland News on 21 May 2026. Click here to view the full article.

Workers living in cars, families couch surfing and vulnerable residents trapped in unsafe homes are part of the Southern Highlands’ growing hidden homelessness crisis.

Argyle Housing Chief Executive Carolyn Doherty said hidden homelessness across the Wingecarribee Shire was rising as soaring rents, low vacancy rates and cost-of-living pressures pushed more people into unstable living situations.

“People experiencing homelessness are more likely to be sleeping on couches, living in overcrowded homes, staying temporarily with friends or family, living in cars, caravan parks or unsafe accommodation, or remaining in housing that is unsuitable or even dangerous simply because they have nowhere else to go,” she said.

“Because this form of homelessness is less visible, it is often overlooked by the broader community.”

Ms Doherty said many people experiencing hidden homelessness were still working, attending school and participating in everyday community life despite facing housing insecurity behind closed doors.

“At Argyle Housing, we are absolutely seeing an increase in hidden homelessness across the Wingecarribee Shire in recent years,” she said.

“The key drivers are the significant rise in private rental costs, extremely low vacancy rates, cost-of-living pressures, and a long-term shortage of social and affordable housing in regional communities.”

She said housing affordability pressures that once largely affected metropolitan Sydney were now hitting regional communities hard, including the Southern Highlands.

“The Southern Highlands housing market has changed dramatically over the past several years,” Ms Doherty said.

“Unfortunately, many housing policies and solutions remain heavily metro-centric and do not always reflect the realities of regional communities like the Highlands.”

Ms Doherty said older women, single-parent families, young people, people escaping domestic and family violence, essential workers and low-income earners were among those most at risk.

“We are also seeing people who have never previously experienced housing insecurity suddenly finding themselves at risk due to illness, relationship breakdown, rising rents or unexpected financial hardship,” she said.

She said one of the most confronting issues staff were witnessing was vulnerable residents remaining in poor quality housing because they had no alternative.

“Older homes with inadequate insulation, poor heating and cooling, mould, dampness and unsuitable living conditions are becoming increasingly common among vulnerable tenants,” Ms Doherty said.

“These conditions have serious impacts on both physical and mental health, particularly during the Southern Highlands winter.”

Ms Doherty said there was still a misconception homelessness was mainly a “big city” problem, despite growing issues in regional communities.

“In communities like the Southern Highlands, people often go to extraordinary lengths to hide their situation due to shame, stigma or fear of losing what little stability they have,” she said.

She said addressing hidden homelessness would require long-term collaboration between governments, councils, housing providers and community organisations.

“There is no quick fix,” Ms Doherty said.

“It will take years of sustained investment and strategic planning to significantly improve housing supply and affordability in the Wingecarribee Shire.”

She called for increased investment in social and affordable housing, stronger regional housing strategies and greater recognition from government that regional housing challenges required regional solutions.

Ms Doherty also highlighted the importance of partnerships with community organisations and philanthropic groups, including Lydia’s Legacy, to create future housing opportunities and support services for vulnerable residents.

“At the core of this issue is the simple reality that housing is becoming unaffordable for many people who already live and work in our community,” she said.

“Safe, secure and appropriate housing is fundamental to people’s wellbeing, and addressing hidden homelessness must remain a priority for the Southern Highlands.”