Street-Sleeping Numbers Soar as Housing Crisis Worsens

A homeless girl sleeps on the ground by a sign asking for food and clothing in Sydney, Australia, on Jan. 18, 2021. Jenny Evans/Getty Images

A “heartbreaking” housing crisis is pushing an increasing number of people onto the streets as advocates renew calls for a levy on short-term rentals to fund crucial services.

The annual street count, released on May 10, revealed a 25 percent spike in the tally of people sleeping rough in New South Wales (NSW).