Yes I stayed in Hostels plenty of times in my travels. Some are way better than others, depends how they're managed. They were always a great way to meet other travelers. There seems to be several reasons for the housing shortage though, the main one I mentioned in the previous post regarding Covid. You can also add in the fact that many rental properties are now being listed Air B@B due to the better returns and regular cleaning. Interest rates going north is another reason with owners putting up rents to match rate risers. Thats always going to stop low earners from renting, unless as you say pack in like sardines, but keeping it discreet as there's always limits on people numbers in a rental. Homeless has been a problem for decades, the reasons for which again are varied. Remember Hawkey's promise 40 years ago? When I was in late teens I was dating a girl who's mum did a meals on wheels run a couple of mornings a week. She asked me to go with her a couple of times and to do the necessary sucking up I agreed. Wow that was eye opening, As soon as the van pulled up people appeared from everywhere for their sanga, fruit and drink. It sure opened my eyes. In those days it was mainly alcohol addiction or mental health, now it could be any number of reasons, some even being choice. Yes it's a problem alright, and shouldn't be in a rich country like Oz. What did 10 years of conservative Govt do to address it? SFA.
