Homelessness
‘Homelessness’ doesn’t just mean living on the streets. Being homeless is when you haven’t got a safe or stable place to live. Find out about homelessness and where to get help.
This can help if:
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you’re at risk of becoming homeless
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you are homeless
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you want to know what services are available to assist someone who is homeless.
About homelessness
If you’re without a home, you’re not alone – 100,000 Australians are in the same boat, and one-third of them are age 12–25. Not having a home isn’t just about shelter; it can also mean you don’t have regular access to food, a place to clean yourself, a bathroom, friends, support and warmth.
Levels of homelessness
Homelessness doesn’t look the same for everyone. Here are a few of the different levels of homelessness that people might experience:
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Plugging the gap – staying with friends or relatives, in temporary housing, or between different places.
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Boarding – usually in group houses with little security.
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Sleeping rough –in cars, parks or bus shelters, or in empty houses (squatting).
Why does someone become homeless?
Many different factors can contribute to someone becoming homeless:
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violence or abuse in the home
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family breakdown
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money problems
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illness
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disability
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addiction.
Help with homelessness
National
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Centrelink appointments: 13 10 21
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Reconnect (for young people age 12–18)
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Homelessness Australia : (02) 6247 7744
New South Wales
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Link2home is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week: 1800 152 152
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A full list of NSW-based accommodation services can be found on the NSW Family & Community Services website
South Australia
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Homeless Connect SA is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week:1800 003 308
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Crisis Care (24 hours): 13 16 11
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A full list of SA accommodation services can be found on the South Australian Government website
Queensland
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Department of Communities – Homelessness: 1800 47 47 53 or 1800 010 222 (TTY Service)
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Crisis Care, Monday to Friday, 5 pm to 9 am; weekends – all day: (07) 3225 1573 OR 1800 642 902 (free call)
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A full list of QLD accommodation services can be found on the Queensland Government website
Victoria
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Housing Vic Crisis and Emergency Accommodation 24 hour helpline: 1800 825 955
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St Kilda Crisis Contact Centre , seven days a week, 10 am to 12 midnight: (03) 9536 7777 OR 1800 627 727 (toll free or country Victoria)
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Safe Steps (24 hours): (03) 9373 0123 OR 1800 015 188 (toll free)
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A full list of VIC accommodation services can be found on the Department of Human Services website
Western Australia
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Crisis Care: (08) 9325 1111 OR 1800 199 008
Northern Territory
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Youth Accommodation Services – Alice Springs: (08) 8953 4200
Tasmania
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PASS – Placement and Support Service: 1800 24 32 32
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Housing Connect -24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 1800 800 588.
What can I do now?
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Contact Kids Helpline or Lifeline if you need someone to talk to.
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Stay in touch with friends and trusted family members.
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Find out your legal rights by visiting the Lawstuff website.