Rental crisis leaves pregnant woman sleeping in car

But most women who are homeless are "invisible".

Vulnerable women are not seen sleeping on the streets - most are forced into couch-surfing, staying in crisis or temporary accommodation, or sleeping in their cars.

Launceston woman Latisha Pine is one of these women, and at 24 weeks pregnant, sleeping rough is a daily struggle.

"Anyone can face homelessness," Ms Pine said.

"I'm not special or unique. My circumstances just spiralled to where I am now."

Ms Pine moved back to Tasmania from Western Australia to support her father after he had a major stroke.

"Initially, I lived with my partner in a caravan park, but once we found out I was pregnant, we were made to feel unwelcome," she said

"That's how it started. Since then, I have put in dozens and dozens of rental applications. I have contacted everyone I can.

"I have really exhausted all of my options. Every day is a struggle, but I have to keep going, keep fighting. I have to find a home for this one."

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Ms Pine said when you're going through a hard time, being judged by someone who didn't understand your story was difficult.

"And it hurts," she said.

"I'm 38 and I've never been homeless before. It's a horrible situation.

"In Western Australia, I had a home - and now I have nothing.

"I've lost so much of my self-worth and dignity it's hard to push on.

"Yet I can't let it break me; I have this little person that needs me."

During pregnancy, stress can increase the chances of having a baby who is preterm or a low-birthweight.

It has been an intensely stressful period, said Ms Pine.

"I am six months pregnant, but I hardly look it," she said.

"The stress of my circumstances has meant my baby is small and will most likely be born prematurely.

"Every day I worry. This isn't the world I want to bring my baby into."