Homelessness

Do you need housing or homelessness assistance? We offer information and referrals to local support agencies.

Council supports people seeking housing and homelessness assistance by providing information and referral to local support agencies. A number of services in Darebin are continuing to offer assistance to people in need of housing and homelessness support during COVID-19.

After hours emergency response to homelessness

We do not provide a crisis emergency response service for those experiencing homelessness in Darebin.

Crisis contact service is a statewide housing and homelessness service. Available 5pm—7pm Monday to Friday and 24 hours on weekends.

Phone: 1800 627 727

Homelessness Support Services

Merri Outreach Support Service

Provide an Assertive Outreach Program to people sleeping rough in Darebin, which aims to bridge the gap between rough sleepers and the service system. The program consists of specialist outreach workers who can visit and respond to rough sleepers and connect them to services they need, including housing and health care.

A program referral can be made by email with the details of the location of the rough sleeper and other relevant information (such as concerns for their health or welfare). Please note, this is not an emergency response.

Email: assertiveoutreach@darebin.vic.gov.au

Haven Home Safe

Offer a local access point for people who are experiencing homelessness in Darebin. They provide housing and support information. Assessment and advocacy, referral to crisis accommodation. Specialist support services and limited financial assistance to establish or maintain rental tenancies.

Phone: 03 9479 0700
Address: 52-56 Mary Street Preston.
Hours open: 9am—5pm Monday to Friday.

Please note social distancing measures are in place for people attending their site.

Darebin's community shower access program

People experiencing homelessness and rough sleeping may be able to access this service that provides free shower and locker access at two locations in Darebin:

  • Reservoir Leisure Centre, Monday to Sunday
  • Narrandjeri Stadium, Monday to Friday

Please note people interested in accessing the program will be assessed for eligibility and suitability.

For more information, please email csap@darebin.vic.gov.au

Inquiry into homelessness in Victoria

In 2020, the Victorian Legislative Council at the undertook an inquiry into the state of homelessness in Victoria. The Inquiry focused on:

  • an independent analysis of the changing scale and nature of homelessness across Victoria
  • investigating the many social, economic and policy factors that impact on homelessness
  • identifying policies and practices from all levels of government that have a bearing on delivering services to the homeless

Darebin made a submission to the inquiry that focused on opportunities that exist to address homelessness and housing. You can view our submission(PDF, 231KB) and the read the report made to Parliament, with 51 recommendations to the Victoria Government.

More information

Community Development
Phone: 03 8470 8552
Email: community.wellbeing@darebin.vic.gov.au

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