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Reports of rough sleeping in Boroondara tripled in 2025, rising from 85 in 2024 to 255. This upward trend has continued in 2026. From January to the end of May, we received 170 reports from the community about people sleeping rough, compared to 91 reports for the same period in 2025.
While this can be the most visible sign of homelessness, rough sleeping is just one part of a much bigger picture.
Many more people without a home are living in severely overcrowded housing, temporary accommodation or ‘couch-surfing’ in Boroondara.
In 2024-25, 764 people accessed homelessness services in our community. This included 246 people experiencing homelessness and 450 people at risk of becoming homeless.
While Council plays an important role in responding to reports of homelessness, we are limited in what we can do on our own.
Housing and homelessness services are funded by the Victorian and Australian Governments. There’s a severe shortage of crisis accommodation, long-term housing and support services available.
Often, people experiencing homelessness are facing multiple, complex challenges at once. When you let us know someone is sleeping rough, our Homelessness Protocol guides staff to respond with respect.
We respond to reports of homelessness as soon as possible on weekdays between 9 am and 5 pm. For any safety concerns and medical emergencies, call triple zero (000) for Victoria Police or Ambulance Victoria.
When you contact us, we’ll request outreach with The Salvation Army (as the entry point for support) or other support services.
Everyone has the right to be in public spaces and our response to homelessness is focused on:
Unfortunately, there are often long waiting lists for people to access services and social housing. We recognise there isn't enough social housing or funding for homelessness service providers to meet demand. As a result, it can take time for services to engage with people who are homeless and to help them find alternative accommodation.
We regularly advocate on behalf of our community to the Victorian and Australian Governments to do more to fund social housing and homelessness services across Australia.
To help support people experiencing homelessness in Boroondara, please consider donating to:
Boroondara Community Outreach is currently seeking donations of new sleeping bags, gloves that are not knitted, and thermals.
The Salvation Army Camberwell is seeking donations of new doonas, new pillows and blankets that are in good condition.
Please contact these organisations directly before dropping off any food or donations.
We also have advice for what to do you if you see someone experiencing homelessness.
If you have time, you can also give back by volunteering. Our Boroondara Volunteer Resource Centre is here to help, whether you’re just getting started or are an experienced volunteer. You can also get in touch and volunteer locally at:
If you’re sleeping rough, experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless, please contact The Salvation Army, Homelessness East: Opening Doors.
Our Help at Hand guide has other crisis support services and advice for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. For details, visit our homelessness support services and resources page.
Join us during National Homelessness Week (3 to 9 August) for a free community screening of the award-winning documentary Love in the Walls.
This moving documentary explores residents’ resilience amid Australia’s deepening housing crisis and invites us all to reflect on our shared dignity, compassion and connection.
Bookings will open from 10 July and the event will be free.
