Generous Melburnians are rallying together to help people find pathways out of homelessness.
During COVID-19, the City of Melbourne has been working with the Victorian Government, support agencies and businesses to provide emergency hotel accommodation, care, and health and wellbeing support for more than 300 people who were sleeping rough prior to the pandemic.
We continue to check in with people experiencing homelessness in the city to offer a safe place to sleep. Together with other service providers, we are also offering hand sanitiser, masks and more to people sleeping rough.
Homelessness is a sensitive, complex and confronting issue that can affect anyone at any point in their lives. This issue is a priority for our city, and many caring Melburnians want to help.
Here are some practical ways you can help people experiencing homelessness. Everyone can make a difference.
1. Donate money or goods to one of our partners
We partner with a range of great organisations that provide both immediate help and the crucial, long-term support people need to exit homelessness.
Here are some of our key partners, who would love your support: Anglicare Vic, The Big Issue, Launch Housing, Melbourne City Mission, The Salvation Army, Vincentcare and Youth Projects.
2. Virtual volunteering
Volunteer your time, skills and compassion with an established not-for-profit, listed on the Volunteering Victoria website. While restrictions continue, there are a number of ways to offer your support online or by phone.
3. Put your property to good use
Make a donation from the sale of your home to increase the supply of affordable dwellings through the Homes for Homes program, or rent out your investment property at a discounted rate to people in need through HomeGround Real Estate. Both options are tax deductible.
4. Stay in touch
Sign up to stay informed about what we’re doing to support people experiencing homelessness, and how you can help. To find out more, visit Homelessness.
You can also view our Helping Out booklet, which lists more than 70 local services that help people experiencing homelessness.
More information about homelessness and its causes is available on the Council to Homeless Persons website.
