Some of our services are closed or have different hours over Easter, from Friday 29 March to Monday 1 April.

This year, National Homelessness Week will run from 7 to 13 August. It aims to raise awareness about people experiencing or at risk of homelessness in our community.

For many people, experiencing homelessness is much more than the visible experience of sleeping rough on the streets. It can include living in temporary accommodation such as cars, couch-surfing, or overcrowded accommodation.

Homelessness can be caused by a range of factors, including:

  • loss of employment
  • family breakdown or violence
  • mental health issues.

Homelessness in Boroondara

Homelessness is a national problem, and we can see its impact here in Boroondara. Census data from 2021 reveals that on census night, an estimated 122,494 people were experiencing homelessness across Australia.

In 2021, we renewed our Boroondara Community Plan and identified people experiencing homelessness and people living in social housing as key groups experiencing poor health and wellbeing outcomes. Our wellbeing commitment recognises that all people have equal rights to Council services and facilities.

We strive to ensure the safety and wellbeing of everyone in our community, and we work closely with the Salvation Army — Homelessness East to organise outreach support for people who are sleeping rough. We also advocate to the Victorian Government for more and better social housing and homelessness services.

Free special film event

To shine a light on the growing number of women over 50 who experience homelessness, you are invited to a special film event and panel discussion at the Lido Cinemas in Hawthorn at 6 pm on Wednesday 9 August.

The event will include a documentary screening followed by a panel discussion with local homelessness service providers. Under Cover: The hidden faces of homelessness is a compelling documentary that follows 10 women from a range of backgrounds who share their stories of experiencing homelessness in Australia.

The event is free, but seats are limited so make sure you register.

Book a presentation on homelessness at your school

We partner with Servants Community Housing to present talks on homelessness at primary and high schools across Boroondara to encourage students to think critically about homelessness.

To book a class presentation, contact our Safer Communities Planner (Homelessness) by emailing [email protected] or calling us on (03) 9278 4326.

Support for people experiencing homelessness

If you are experiencing or at risk of homelessness or know someone who needs support, contact our Safer Communities Planner (Homelessness) by emailing [email protected] or calling us on (03) 9278 4326.

We’ve created the Homelessness resource and education guide to help explain the complex causes of homelessness, reduce stigma and to support young people at risk of or experiencing homelessness. You can download a copy of the resource guide, and find more resources and information about support services, emergency relief and donation opportunities on our Housing and homelessness page.

You can also listen to the homelessness episode of Boroondara Youth’s Bloom podcast. Hosts Hayley and Nia talk to Belinda and Brea, two amazing young people who work and volunteer in the homelessness space. You can find this podcast episode on the Boroondara Youth SoundCloud page.