A leading Australian social researcher has said homelessness casts a "nasty shadow" in Canberra.
Hugh Mackay made the comments as part of his new role as the patron of Canberra's Havelock Housing Association.
Dr Mackay moved to the nation's capital three-and-a-half years ago and said he was surprised at the scale of homelessness in Canberra.
"The fact almost 2000 Canberrans don't have anywhere to call home is a really nasty shadow on what is otherwise such a brilliant society," he said.
"I'm happy to lend whatever support I can to people at Havelock who are working to get rid of that figure."
Havelock House, on Northbourne Avenue, provides long-term accommodation for 101 low-income earners. The association also manages community housing properties across Canberra.
Dr Mackay said Canberra had the ability to eliminate homelessness more so than other Australian capital cities. He supported a Housing First model, where permanent housing is offered to rough sleepers as a first priority and a wraparound support team then helps with other needs, such as counselling.
At present, the ACT government has supported a Housing First pilot program for 32 people through CatholicCare. But Dr Mackay said it was an opportune moment for governments to buy new housing stock.
"Now this is a good moment to be talking about this because interest rates are at a record low and likely to stay there," he said.
"This is the moment [for our government] to be buying some available housing stock or building some when money can be borrowed so cheaply so we can clear out the problem of homelessness."
Havelock chief executive Andrew Rowe said Dr Mackay's expertise made him the perfect patron for the organisation.
"The importance of community connection is brought into stark relief in our work because we provide homes for those whose needs are greatest, and who have experienced lives of marginalisation and disadvantage," he said.
"Hugh's work on social inclusion, neighbourhood, and cohesion guides our approach to community development and supporting our residents towards an engaged and connected life."
