According to the Rural Housing Network, most people living in their cars, tents or improvised dwellings are young and single.

Wangaratta client Ken Arthur was at the other end of the age spectrum when he found himself on the brink of homelessness.

Mr Arthur is sharing his story as part of National Homeless Week, which starts on Monday.

His life began to unravel before his wife died of cancer in 2010.

He left his job to become her full-time carer and said he was lost when she died.

“Then I found it harder and harder to even get part-time work,” Mr Arthur said.

“Basically, once you are over 50 without a job, no-one wants to give you a go even though I had worked all my life.

“I’d been renting my previous house for three years and was behind in my rent and electricity bills so when the landlord told me he was selling it, I couldn’t see a future.

“You need money to move house for a deposit and moving costs.”

The 62-year-old went to Rural Housing a month before he was due to move and staff found him a unit he could rent.

He is now focusing on getting a  job and encourages anyone experiencing housing stress to reach out.

“If telling my story shows someone else they don’t have to be embarrassed and gives them information or hope, then I’m happy to do it,” he said. 

According to client service manager Catherine Jefferies, family violence is driving a large number of women aged 25 to 36 into homelessness.

“We’re at capacity and there is a waiting list for properties,” she said.

“The main things that drive people to seek help are family violence, loss of income, breakdowns in relationships and youths who are unable to stay at home due to abuse.

“We offer support and work closely with real estate agencies to establish and maintain tenancies and link people with appropriate support.”

Rural Housing Network chief executive Celia Adams said homelessness affected people from all walks of life. 

She said National Homelessness Week helped to highlight how widespread the problem is in the region. 

Several events will be held as part of the week including a talk at La Trobe University in Wodonga at noon on Monday.