The Rural Housing Network, which assists those needing crisis shelter, has noticed a recent rise in male clients.

The Wodonga office's team leader Catherine Jefferies said normally the number of women seeking help outweighed the number of men in difficulty.

But in recent times the gender balance is 50:50.

"Having more men could be linked to family violence with changes in the way that is dealt with and more men leaving houses," Mrs Jefferies said.

She said the office was doing more research to determine the link, but noted it contributed to an already stretched demand for housing from single men.

The network's Wodonga service development manager Laura Simpson echoed Mrs Jefferies' concerns for individuals.

"There aren't a lot of affordable one or two-bedroom units and if you are a single person on Newstart then you tend to be the hardest hit," Ms Simpson said.

"They're harder to house because no-one wants to see families and kids on the street and they get the priority."

Mrs Jefferies said the competitive nature of the Wodonga rental market was also reflected in another way.

"We'll have consumers that get a bit frustrated because they're going to rental viewings and they're doing 30 viewings before they get a house," Mrs Jefferies said.

"That's not unusual with the competition it's extremely difficult for young people who are going in there against people on a higher income and a greater rental history – it's hard to compete against that."

Mrs Jefferies admitted some of those she is assisting are on rental estate agents’ black lists for renting.

But she believes that stigma can be overcome, with her assisting clients address concerns such as outstanding rent through plans.

Ms Simpson said her agency wanted government aid to address the shortage of one and two bedroom accommodation in Wodonga.

Mrs Jefferies and Ms Simpson were commenting following the launch of the Border's Anti-Poverty Week activities in Wodonga on Monday.

Ms Simpson told the launch homelessness problems on the Border went beyond the stereotype of an old man living under a bridge.

She said there were up to seven people sharing the one bedroom of properties and others couch surfing and living in sheds.

Children were in turn missing school because of their family's accommodation woes, Ms Simpson said.