Latest News
Learn more about homelessness, research and a range of issues relating to our work and our community.
17.01.24
Our Newest Board Member Knows What It’s Like To Sleep Rough
Fiona Schlensog understands how it feels to be on either side of the table when it comes to homelessness services. With 16 years' experience in the housing and social services industry, and as someone who's experienced chronic homelessness herself, Fiona Schlensog is bringing invaluable expertise to Launch Housing as the newest member of our…
20.12.23
A Little Help from Our Friends – Partnering to End Homelessness
[caption id="attachment_16652" align="alignright" width="440"] 58 new social homes have been delivered in a partnership between the Victorian state government, Launch Housing and Banyule City Council.[/caption] We're driven by a belief in the power of collaboration to meet the critical need for more social housing. Initiatives like the recent opening of our Bellfield development showcase the…
31.08.23
International Overdose Awareness Day: Recognising the people who go unseen
Today marks International Overdose Awareness Day, which sits close to home for us at Launch Housing. It's easy to pass judgement, to see a person's circumstances before seeing the person. Whether it's homelessness or substance use, stigma can be a heavy burden. Today is about lifting that weight, even if just a little, and acknowledging…
25.08.23
More than just a wardrobe change: Wear It Purple Day
Wear It Purple Day is an opportunity to openly support and stand with young people from the LGBTQIA+ community. Sadly, LGBTQIA+ people are twice as likely to experience homelessness. Almost one-third of Launch Housing staff identify as LGBTQIA+. We sat down with Danielle Leigh, who has been instrumental in fostering a supportive environment here at…
07.06.23
Myth busting: Do people experiencing homelessness gravitate to cities?
Deb Batterham is a Post-doctoral Research Fellow at the Centre for Urban Transitions, Swinburne University and a member of the Launch Housing Research, Evaluation and Data team. It is often assumed that people experiencing homelessness gravitate to large cities and central city areas because of the concentration of support services – a so-called magnet…
22.11.22
Meet our new Deputy Chair - Diane White
Welcome to our new Deputy Chair Diane White. "Homelessness is not some intractable 'wicked problem' — it can be solved with the right attention and investment." 1. How did you get involved with Launch and its Board? "I am currently a Director within Ernst and Young's Strategy and Transactions practice. In my day-to-day work, I…
22.11.22
Meet our new Chair - Adam Zaccaria
Welcome to our new Board Chair Adam Zaccaria "I'm passionate about connecting people with purpose to make a collective impact and end homelessness." 1. How did you get involved with Launch and its Board? I'm currently the General Manager of Transactional Banking at nab. I've previously led teams within Corporate and Institutional, Structured Finance, Strategy…
25.07.22
Explainer: What to do if you see someone sleeping rough?
People sleeping rough on the streets are experiencing the most visible and extreme form of homelessness. "Making a difference... Sometimes it starts from the very littlest thing, even just offering a few dollars and saying, 'Hey, how are you?'" -Ivy, a Victorian who was previously homeless. In our cities, rough sleeping (also known as street…
25.07.22
Explainer: What is rough sleeping?
When most people think of homelessness, they tend to think of someone sleeping rough on the streets. In fact sleeping rough is only one type of homelessness and at the Census in 2011 only about 6% of people who were experiencing homelessness were rough sleeping (the Census is being conducted again in August 2016 so…
23.06.22
Taking a moment to appreciate the wins - Stuart, Elizabeth Street Common Ground
In the course of our work at Launch Housing our teams witness some incredible milestones for the people we support. Launch Housing’s Program Manager at Elizabeth Street Common Ground, Stuart McGougan reflects here on a special moment he shared with a long-term resident at the supportive accommodation site. It reminds us all of the impact…
23.05.22
Knowing people by name key to ending street homelessness
By Clare Lawson An end to street homelessness in Melbourne? Sounds ambitious, but it is entirely possible. Already, real progress has been made towards ending street homelessness, right here in Melbourne. A pilot project in the City of Port Phillip has achieved a 27% decrease in rough sleeping in the area between February 2021 to…
13.05.22
Mothers and children given the chance to thrive in safe supported housing
Launch Housing in partnership with Uniting, donors and the Victorian Government is preparing to open the doors of Viv's Place, an Australian first apartment building for at-risk women and children. Based in Dandenong, Viv's Place will provide permanent housing with wrap around support services in a new building to provide a fresh start for more…
02.04.22
Cornelia Program launches in Melbourne
Pregnant women who are experiencing insecure housing now have a supportive pathway to safe accommodation, social services and compassionate health care, thanks to a Victorian Government funded collaboration between the Royal Women’s Hospital, HousingFirst and Launch Housing. The Cornelia Program aims to break the cycle of insecure housing for vulnerable women and their babies and…
10.03.22
58 New Homes For Melbourne's Inner North-East
Construction is about to start on a new social housing development in Bellfield that will result in 58 new homes under the Victorian Government's Big Housing Build. When completed, this four-storey development will provide housing for people on the priority access list of the Victorian Housing Register. The $24 million development is a partnership between…
13.12.21
Beats For Beds hits Melbourne for the first time
International music festival, Beats for Beds is hitting the recently re-opened streets of Melbourne for the first time on Friday 17 December to raise awareness and funds for people experiencing homelessness. Established in the UK in December 2020 as an online event, Beats for Beds has become an international movement, with musicians banding together to…
10.12.21
Preventing homelessness by understanding the population at-risk in Australia
Homelessness is traumatic. People who experience it not only struggle to meet their basic needs of food, shelter and safety, but to keep their connection to family, friends and their community. The combined impacts of homelessness can cause significant physical and mental health issues which persist even when people find stable housing. The costs of…
24.11.21
Kate and her daughter find stability through H2H
In 2020 Launch Housing was selected to become the largest provider of services for the Victorian Government’s From Homelessness to a Home (H2H) initiative. The initiative was designed to provide people who are residing in emergency accommodation due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic with access to stable medium and long term housing and support. H2H…
22.11.21
The Cornelia Program provided Mia stability before the arrival of her baby boy
The Women’s, Launch Housing and HousingFirst have collaborated to develop the Cornelia Program – an Australian-first initiative that aims to break the cycle of homelessness and support pregnant women and new mothers. The program provides women with access to transitional accommodation in a new apartment complex comprising 36 studio apartments, as well as tailored wrap…
26.10.21
HomeGround Real Estate wins big at the REIV Awards for Excellence!
We are excited to share HomeGround Real Estate has won the REIV Awards for Excellence Community Service Award! The Award recognises the contribution of agencies or individuals to community service and actions that make a difference to the wider community. As a social enterprise of Launch Housing, HomeGround Real Estate has community service embedded in its…
20.10.21
Foyers provided Angie the chance to succeed
Angie* was just 18 when she experienced the breakdown of her family home and lost her housing stability. Like many young people who first experience homelessness, she was left with no option but to couch surf between friends' houses - all while trying to keep up with her studies and manage part time work. During…
28.09.21
300 rental applications, 25 inspections…one offer.
In 2020, Emma was renting a property that was barely liveable. A mice infestation meant she couldn’t store food in the kitchen cupboards, the bathroom roof was covered in mould due to a lack of built-in ventilation and a retaining wall next door threatened to collapse on the property at any minute. “They were continuously…
19.08.21
From Homelessness to a Home: rapidly changing lives in Melbourne
In 2020 Launch Housing was selected to become the largest provider of services for the Victorian Government’s From Homelessness to a Home program. The From Homelessness to a Home (H2H) initiative was created to provide people who are residing in emergency accommodation due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic with access to stable medium and long…
02.01.21
Helping Homeless People Is The Best Gift
2020 was a year like no other for homeless charities. Not just for us, but for all Melburnians as the health crisis brought home both our inter-connectedness and our common need for shelter, hope and a home. Last year we were able to hit the streets during the pandemic and helping homeless people quickly into…
15.12.20
What is emergency housing & why is it so important?
The word ‘home’ conjures up all sorts of cosy images and feelings. Comfy couches, pot plants on windowsills, a kettle and your favourite mug ready to be filled. It’s where you should feel safest, and know you can retreat to after a long day. (Or not leave at all that day, if it’s that sort…
05.11.20
Surviving Homelessness and COVID-19: Freddy’s story
Freddy* is a Lebanese man who lived through most of the Lebanese Civil War. “My brother was shot, my cousin killed, my dad captured… to cut it short, I had to escape Lebanon by boat to the Greek Islands, where I waited for a visa to come to Australia. That took two years.” He built…
28.10.20
From Youth Foyers to Fashion
Designer and small business owner, Nancy talks fashion, transitioning into Melbourne’s tough rental market and what motivated her to create OZIYA. “I’m a local Melbourne designer and the owner of a bold Afro-inspired fashion label called OZIYA. Originally from Uganda, I studied Fashion, Design and Technology at RMIT and I’ve been fortunate to work in the…
08.09.20
A Tribute to Our First Qualified Essential Worker
In 1964 a small group of passionate social justice activists set up Hanover Welfare Services, one of Launch Housing’s predecessor organizations, in Fitzroy, offering counselling and pension management for men experiencing homelessness. One of these founding staff members was Vivienne McCutcheon, Hanover’s first qualified social worker. Vivienne passed away on Tuesday 28 July, 2020. Vivienne,…
27.08.20
Homelessness – Myth vs Reality
This guest blog is written by Sharni, is a member of the Lived Experience Advisory Group (LEAG) and tackles three myths about homelessness. “Growing up I had a vision of what my life would be. Becoming a young mum at 16, I imagined this beautiful ‘normal’ life for myself and my child. Never did I…
03.08.20
Melburnians Agree Homelessness Could Happen To Anyone: Study
Embargoed: Tuesday, 4 August 2020 New research has revealed a high level of empathy for people experiencing homelessness with 76 percent of Melburnians agreeing ‘homelessness could happen to anyone’. Launch Housing Chief Executive Bevan Warner said the findings were encouraging because they also show that people want action to end homelessness. “We know we need…
27.07.20
Homes for Homeless: Very Positive Much Needed Relief
Launch Housing Chief Executive Bevan Warner today welcomed the Victorian Government’s new $150 million From Homelessness to a Home package. The funding will see the Government extend current emergency hotel and motel accommodation until April of next year, allowing 2,000 former rough sleepers to continue being supported by Launch Housing and other service providers. The…
12.06.20
A lived experience reflection on “Filthy Rich and Homeless”
By Akemi, member of Launch Housing’s Lived Experience Advisory Group (LEAG) Ellie Gonsalves, Ciaran Lyons, Pauline Nguyen, Dr Andrew Rochford and Melbourne's Deputy Lord Mayor Arron Wood are to be commended for taking part in this year’s “Filthy Rich and Homeless” TV show, an experiment where five high profile Australians are given a ten day…
27.05.20
#MelbourneZero: an achievable end to homelessness
Originally written and published by Bevan Warner on LinkedIn. Victoria’s response to the Covid-19 threat has had one clear intended consequence, nearly 1000 rough sleepers are no longer on the streets or in cars but are now living in temporary motel and hotel rooms in inner Melbourne. The initial response from the Victorian Government to…
20.02.20
Voice of a Mental Health Social Worker
This is a guest blog post and thought piece by Tom Hall, First-Step Social Solutions, accredited mental health social worker (AASW) at Launch Housing Elizabeth Street Common Ground (ESCG). This article is one in a series that Launch Housing is publishing around mental health and homelessness. “Many people take on far too much responsibility for…
21.01.20
Homelessness and mental health: in our clients’ words Part 2
This is a continuation of a two-part series that looks into a journey of homelessness and mental illness. As part of our submission to the Royal Commission in Victoria’s Mental Health System, we talked to our clients to learn about how they’ve navigated the homelessness and mental health systems. Their overall experiences are shared in…
21.01.20
Part-One: A Journey of Homelessness and Mental Health
To advise the Royal Commission in Victoria’s Mental Health System we talked to our clients to learn about how they’ve navigated the mental health and homelessness systems. Their overall experiences are presented in the following article in their own words and reflect the devastating impact of homelessness, especially the extent to which it has destabilised…
10.12.19
Voice of a Social Worker: Human Rights Day
The United Nation’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence runs annually, and is used across the world as a platform to call for the elimination of gender-based violence. The campaign starts on 25th November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and ends on 10th December, International Human Rights Day. By…
04.12.19
Family violence doesn’t discriminate. Survivor to Thriver.
Family violence is the single biggest cause of homelessness in Victoria. To coincide with the UN’s 16 Days of Activism (25 Nov to 10 Dec) and this year’s #OrangetheWorld campaign, we have chosen to share Melissa’s story in the hope that together we can create lasting social change around domestic violence and homelessness. The following…
22.11.19
Rise in homelessness ‘unacceptable and unforgivable’
Launch Housing experts demand action at homelessness inquiry today Launch Housing staff will give evidence at the Parliamentary Inquiry into Homelessness in Victoria today, and call out the lack of action on homelessness for what it is: unacceptable and unforgivable.At the first public hearing in Melbourne today, Launch Housing Chief Executive Bevan Warner will outline…
19.11.19
16 Ways to End Gender Based Violence
Guest Blog by Claire Henderson, Launch Housing Practice Leader and Children’s Support Specialist. The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence runs annually, and is used across the world as a platform to call for the elimination of gender based violence. The campaign starts on the 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against…
13.11.19
Private Rental Assistance Helps Many on the Brink of Homelessness
By Rachel Evans, Private Rental Assistance Program Coordinator “This program has been life-changing for the people who use it. We provide a stopgap for those on the brink of homelessness. In May, we were delighted when the Victorian Government committed to refund our Private Rental Assistance Program (PRAP) for two years. Many of our clients…
11.11.19
Annual Report 2019
This year's Annual Report 2019 demonstrates our social impact and continued commitment to support all individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness. We believe housing is a basic human right that affords people dignity. Everyone has a right to a home and it's our job to make that happen. To make this a reality we…
09.10.19
Behind the scenes: The Block tiny homes Challenge
On the 9th October, our innovative Harris Transportable Housing Project made an exciting appearance on the silver screen as part of The Block’s Challenge episode. Shelley Craft and Scotty Cam, the hosts of the popular Nine Network show, joined the 10 contestants and Launch Housing’s Chief Executive Officer Bevan Warner for the filming at a…
01.10.19
Submission adequacy of Newstart and related payments
Launch Housing has submitted comments to the Senate Standing Committees on Community Affairs about the adequacy of Newstart and related payments for people who are either at risk of or experiencing homelessness. In particular, we have addressed the following matters from the Terms of Reference: the adequacy of income support payments in Australia and whether…
18.09.19
Homelessness, mental health and mortality
Content warning: this blog post features stories of people who have died by suicide. It might be triggering for some readers. If you need crisis support please call Lifeline 13 11 14. Launch Housing’s submission to the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System highlights the urgent need for housing to improve the mental healthcare…
12.09.19
Fiona & her dog Penny find safe place to stay
Launch Housing East St Kilda client Fiona* gives insight into her experience with homelessness and how important pet-friendly crisis accommodation rooms are for people with pets. Launch Housing operates the only pet-friendly crisis accommodation rooms for people experiencing homelessness in Victoria. Most crisis accommodation centers prohibit animals, so pet owners often won’t stay because their…
11.09.19
Rough Sleeping in Melbourne: Mental Health & Trauma
By Sheldon Fauth, Launch Housing Mental Health Practitioner Daily Support Team (Image: via Unsplash) I’m a mental health practitioner and assertive outreach worker embedded with the Daily Support Team in Melbourne CBD. I assist rough sleepers to find a pathway out of homelessness, provide mental health assessments, referrals and housing supports. There’s a large homelessness…
03.09.19
Rough Sleepers Initiative Expands to Frankston and Dandenong
Early this year the Rough Sleepers Initiative (RSI) expanded to Frankston and Dandenong. RSI supports individuals who often have complex needs, are vulnerable and the majority have experienced long-term homelessness. RSI assertive outreach workers provide an assessment and intake into the homelessness system, case management, assistance with emergency accommodation, and a pathway into crisis accommodation…
22.08.19
A Safe Base to Recover
By Charlie Levy, Launch Housing Case Manager Housing Mental Health Pathways Program "At university, I initially studied psychology but soon realised I wanted to work with people in a more practical way. I feel that finding practical solutions to people’s concerns is a key aspect of social work practice; I enjoy that. There’s an opportunity…
09.08.19
Pregnancy and Homelessness: Service Responses
The research for the Pregnancy and Homelessness study originated from concerns expressed by senior staff at Launch Housing and the Royal Women’s Hospital that pregnant homeless women are not receiving the level of support warranted, given their circumstances and that of their unborn child. While individual Victorian homelessness services work with pregnant homeless women, there…
23.07.19
Integrated service approach helps end youth homelessness
New research shows an integrated service approach helps end youth homelessness A recent evaluation of the Education First Youth Foyers shows integrated services help end homelessness for many at-risk young people in our communities. The Foyers program empowers young people experiencing homelessness, by giving them access and the chance to pursue education and employment, while…
04.07.19
Education Pathways Program
Guest Blog by Launch Housing Lead Researcher Violet Kolar Experiencing homelessness is overwhelming, scary and stressful, especially for children. In 2017-18, around 57,000 people, mostly women and children, sought support from Victoria’s specialist homelessness services due to domestic and family violence. These are serious and traumatic life events causing high levels of stress, with a…
02.07.19
Housing is good mental healthcare
Three steps to improve the mental healthcare of people experiencing homelessness This submission to the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System highlights the urgent need for housing to improve the mental healthcare of people experiencing homelessness. Launch Housing Launch Housing is an independent Melbourne-based community organisation working with people at risk of or experiencing…
13.06.19
Legal Service Partnership Supports Victoria’s Most Vulnerable
“Katie is approachable, easy to work with and incredibly knowledgeable.” – Mark Fitzgerald, Rough Sleepers Initiative Coordinator For the last four years the staff and clients at Launch Housing’s St Kilda homelessness entry point have reaped the benefits of having a lawyer from the Justice Connect project, Under One Roof, on site once a week.…
31.05.19
Rhyannon’s story
Parenthood is no mean feat for anyone, particularly for a single mum with a young child experiencing homelessness. Rhyannon, 23, and her nearly three-year-old daughter experienced homelessness together for around five months. They found temporary places to stay, couchsurfing between friends’ houses. Often not having much in the way of a bed or bedding, Rhyannon…
20.05.19
Belle Makes a World of Difference
During National Volunteer Week (20 – 26 May), Launch Housing is sharing stories from our volunteers to acknowledge the generous support they provide. By giving up their valuable time and expertise, volunteers support our organisation in its mission to end homelessness.The following is the story of Belle, a volunteer at Launch Housing who enjoys learning…
20.05.19
Hayley helps to facilitate memorable experiences for kids and families
During National Volunteer Week (20 – 26 May) Launch Housing is sharing stories from our volunteers to acknowledge the generous support they provide. By giving up their valuable time and expertise, volunteers support our organisation in its mission to end homelessness. The following is the story of Hayley, a Nature Therapy Volunteer for the Children’s…
07.05.19
A journey from lived experience to supporting people in crisis
“A Peer Support Worker allows people to open up in an honest way, and speak their truth. It’s the client voice that’s important and should be listened to.” – Joal Joal is a Peer Support Worker (PSW) at Launch Housing Southbank crisis accommodation. She’s passionate about shaping the social service sector, and helping those living…
08.04.19
Productivity Commission inquiry into Mental Health
Update: The Productivity Commission's Inquiry into Mental Health draft report was released on 31 October 2019. Read our response here. On the 5 of April, 2019 Launch Housing made a submission to Productivity Commission inquiry into Mental Health which aims to explore the social and economic benefits of improving mental health. It is critical that…
08.04.19
Youth Homelessness Matters Day
Youth Homelessness Matters Day Youth homelessness matters. According to the latest ABS Census figures, 42% of Australians experiencing homelessness are under 25 years old and 70% of 12-25-year olds have left home to escape violence, abuse or family breakdown. Youth homelessness is also underestimated due to the nature of how the Census is administered. Visibility…
28.03.19
Explainer: The homelessness services system and demand for services
A quick explainer on the homelessness services system and demand for services. For people outside the sector how the homelessness system works can seem somewhat nebulous at times. So to clarify, Launch Housing’s very own Deb Batterham explores the system in this article and delves into the challenges we are facing as a sector. Guest…
05.03.19
Part two: Voice of a Social Worker – “The best successes might be the ones we never see.”
A Launch Housing social worker reflects on a career supporting people in crisis at Launch Housing’s St Kilda entry point, in this two part series Voice of a Social Worker. Read part one in this series. For Initial Assessment and Planning (IAP) workers it’s about creating that initial conversation, planning and focusing on engagement and community…
05.03.19
Voice of a Social Worker “It can be difficult but it’s incredibly important.”
A Launch Housing social worker reflects on a career supporting people in crisis at Launch Housing’s St Kilda entry point, in this two part series Voice of a Social Worker. “People come into the St Kilda homelessness entry point, and they may be totally overwhelmed. So giving them information to help them know it’s manageable,…
27.02.19
It Takes a Village - Supporting the Dandenong Community
A child’s experience of homelessness is distinctly different to adults, and it’s vital that a child’s voice is heard, not only throughout their life, but particularly when experiencing homelessness. At Launch Housing’s Dandenong office, support workers are actively engaged with children and their parents. They work to ensure children feel safe, secure and are well…
08.02.19
Rough sleeping is just the tip of the iceberg
Rough sleeping is the most visible form of homelessness. Counter to some public perceptions that rough sleeping comprises the majority of homelessness, rough sleepers (those living in improvised dwellings such as tents or sleeping out) represent only 7% of all homelessness in Australia. The Australian Bureau of Statistics actually has a much broader definition of…
28.01.19
Person-Centred Strategy Drives Engagement in Unique AOD Program
Launch Housing Southbank is leading the way as the only crisis accommodation service in Victoria to offer an embedded on-site Alcohol and other Drugs (AOD) program exclusively for their clients who have alcohol and other drug issues. The one-of-a-kind AOD program uses a person-centred approach to care. It is completely voluntary, and focuses on prevention…
25.01.19
Royal Commission into Mental Health
Our submission to the Terms of Reference for the Royal Commission into Mental Health highlights the critical importance of stable housing in the prevention and early intervention of mental health issues. Safe, secure and appropriate housing is a fundamental prerequisite to engaging in society and directly contributes to overall health and wellbeing. Unfortunately, we know…
10.12.18
Why is housing a human right?
This Monday, 10 December marks the 2018 International Human Rights Day. Housing is a human right that affords people dignity. Everyone has a right to a home and it is our job—and that of other agencies, government, philanthropists, corporates and more—to make that happen. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights similarly states that “Everyone has…
07.12.18
Eduard's Story
Eduard,* 19, has been a student at the Education First Youth Foyer at Kangan Institute, Broadmeadows since June 2018. Eduard moved to Australia from the Philippines when he was 16 to live with his father, relieving financial pressure on his mother who had just gone through a separation and had another dependent son. Eduard didn’t…
23.11.18
Family Violence and Homelessness
This Sunday, 25 November 2018 marks the United Nations International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women. One of the main reasons people experience homelessness is family violence. There were 72,000 women seeking assistance from Specialist Homelessness Services in 2016-17 who cited family and domestic violence as the cause or a contributing factor to their…
16.11.18
Homelessness and children
Across Australia 65,236 children accessed Specialist Homelessness Services in 2016-17, according to the latest statistics from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). Of those accessing support 47,325 children were under 9 years old. Studies into families and homelessness have revealed a variety of detrimental effects on a child’s health, and education as well…
07.11.18
Nursing Service at Elizabeth Street Common Ground
Launch Housing’s Elizabeth Street Common Ground (ESCG) is a successful housing first model offering permanent housing, with on-site support services available for residents. Located in the heart of Melbourne, ESCG was established in 2010 and comprises 65 single studio apartments for people experiencing long-term homelessness who have range of complex physical, and mental health needs.…
15.10.18
How poverty impacts homelessness
(Article updated: 17/10/2018) More than 3 million Australians live in poverty. Anti-Poverty Week is a time to acknowledge the impact of income inequality and intergenerational poverty. This week we look at the causes and consequences of poverty in Australia, and recognise that poverty can divide the community, creating a wall between people and opportunities to…
11.10.18
Why is healthcare important in crisis accommodation?
Launch Housing Southbank, which opened in the 1980s, is one of the largest crisis accommodation sites in Melbourne. It offers short stays of up to eight weeks for people experiencing homelessness, many of whom have a range of highly complex needs. Without a stable home, it is difficult for those experiencing homelessness to access health…
03.10.18
Over 10 Years of Community Support
Over 10 Years of Community Support at Oxford Street, Collingwood The Launch Housing Collingwood office at 68 Oxford Street opened its doors as a homelessness entry point in 2005, to provide integrated, and coordinated responses to people experiencing a housing crisis. Located in the inner suburbs of Melbourne, Launch Housing Collingwood is an accessible and…
01.10.18
Yes, it CAN happen to anyone
We hear from guest blogger Annie, the chair of Launch Housing’s Lived Experience Advisory Group (LEAG), as she shares her take on what it’s like to be an older woman with an experience of homelessness. Now in her 60s, Annie was a company director but due to circumstances beyond her control she lost her business. Dealing…
17.09.18
Connecting People to Employment Pathways
Launch Housing’s Employment Program is a pilot project launched early this year to assist with long-term employment pathways for individuals with a lived experience of homelessness who are not in the workforce. With more than 24,800 Victorians experiencing homelessness on any night there continues to be an increased demand for our services. Because of the…
31.08.18
Working to Prevent Homelessness for Older Women
Economic insecurity, limited affordable housing, and family violence are just some of the reasons why women over 40 are increasingly at risk of, or experiencing homelessness. For women in these situations, rapid rehousing is critical to building a stable future. The philanthropically funded Women’s Rapid Rehousing Program moves women and their children out of homelessness…
20.08.18
Agile Community Support for Women
Launch Housing East St Kilda (LHESK) is a small site passionately committed to supporting women experiencing homelessness. It’s one of the few housing services in Victoria that employs and accommodates only women as well as offers services to trans and gender diverse individuals who identify as female. LHESK’s agile approach makes it a unique place…
13.08.18
Elaine’s Story – Housing is a human right
Elaine is a 43-year-old nursing specialist who experienced homelessness nearly two years ago with her four children aged between 6-18 years old. Prior to that experience, she had been physically assaulted at work and as a result she was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and found herself unemployed. During this time Elaine also experienced family…
06.08.18
How ‘The Monitor’ can help end homelessness
How ‘The Monitor’ can help end homelessness Disclaimer: If you only have 5 minutes then here’s what you need to know about the causes and solutions to homelessness in Australia. You may have heard we recently released the first Australian Homelessness Monitor 2018 (The Monitor). The Monitor is an independent analysis of homelessness in Australia…
01.08.18
Part 3: Humans Behind Homelessness
Originally written for Parity Magazine June Edition. Compiled and written by Morgan Cataldo, Lived Experience Service Development Worker, Launch Housing. Continued from Part 2 : Humans Behind Homelessness . ‘Packing up your life’: the invisible forms of homelessness There is a consistent invisibility, even for those who experience rough sleeping — they are often hidden. Although…
25.07.18
Part 2: Humans Behind Homelessness
Originally written for Parity Magazine June Edition. Continued from blog ‘Humans Behind Homelessness.’ Compiled and written by Morgan Cataldo, Lived Experience Service Development Worker, Launch Housing. Launch Housing’s LEAG members have chosen to keep their specific quotes anonymous to protect their anonymity. The insights in this article are from our Lived Experience Advisory Group (LEAG) who have…
19.07.18
Humans Behind Homelessness: The Realities of Sleeping Rough
Originally written for Parity Magazine June Edition Compiled and written by Morgan Cataldo, Lived Experience Service Development Worker, Launch Housing. The insights in this article come from people with a lived experience of homelessness in various forms, who wished to contribute to the conversation of rough sleeping by providing a slightly different perspective. Our hope is…
17.07.18
A New Innovative Service Gets People & Their Pets Housed
Launch Housing started a new pilot project early this year to help people access our crisis accommodation services with their pets in tow. Since the launch of this pioneer Pets in Crisis Accommodation Project we have welcomed nine pets into our crisis services. For rough sleepers this project hold special significance as pet ownership rates…
11.07.18
A Way Forward – Unity & Culture
NAIDOC celebrations are well underway across the country. Launch Housing has been using this week to reflect on the significance of the 2018 theme: Because of her, we can! NAIDOC Week celebrations are held each July in Australia “to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.” Underpinned by a…
28.06.18
Sleeping rough this winter in Melbourne
For most Melbournians winter is a time for rugging up and finding ways to stay warm and dry. However, spare a thought this June for Melbournians experiencing homelessness who are shivering through a cold night sleeping rough on the street. For Victorians sleeping rough, trying to stay warm during this frosty winter poses extra challenges…
22.06.18
Homeless Services Making a Difference for Children – Charlie’s Story
After many years of transience, Charlie and his mother began working with the Education Pathways Program at Launch Housing South Melbourne’s Homeless Children’s Specialist Support Service (HCSSS). At this time, Outreach Worker Michelle, discovered that he wasn’t attending primary school. Charlie’s engagement in the program also revealed that he couldn’t write his name or read.…
22.06.18
Abi's Story
Education First Youth Foyers student Abi explains what it’s like to live at the Foyers while focusing on her education and working towards a stable future. For her, the path into homelessness started at 15 years old and lasted four years. “I had my dream where I wanted to be which was somewhere peaceful and…
12.06.18
Support and Advocacy for Pregnant Women Experiencing Homelessness
Pregnant women experiencing homelessness face a wide range of barriers to accessing crucial clinical services and care while often facing a lack of social and family support. In particular, these include challenges in accessing transportation to clinical appointments, added financial costs for important health checks, not to mention the need for a safe and secure…
12.06.18
A Life Changed at Elizabeth Street Common Ground
Eva, a 32-year-old from Melbourne’s northern suburbs, left an unstable home as a young child after suffering from mental health issues. From then on, she spent years couch surfing, living at youth refuges, and sleeping rough. Before a permanent single unit became available at Elizabeth Street Common Ground (ESCG) Eva spent eleven difficult days sleeping…
31.05.18
Many Assume That Once You're Housed The Crisis Is Over
Many assume that once someone has overcome homelessness, their crisis is over. They’re wrong. It is true that having safe accommodation is crucial, provides a space where basic needs are met, and a platform to rebuild your life – but there is little said of the emotional impact and ongoing trauma homelessness can have. As…
24.05.18
Community Program Gives People Experiencing Homelessness a Pathway into Employment
Launch Housing has partnered with the Plate Up Project to support people experiencing homelessness gain new skills and a pathway into employment. The Plate Up Project is an initiative by the Melbourne Homeless Collective a charity providing a range of support, blankets, sanitary items and food to people experiencing homelessness in major Australian cities. The 12-week…
12.04.18
Specialist Program Helps Children Re-Engage with Education & Community
The Education Pathways Program (EPP) is an innovative specialist early intervention program provided at Launch Housing’s South Melbourne site that supports children in crisis accommodation. Recent ABS 2016 Census results revealed that of people experiencing homelessness housed in supported accommodation 26% were children under 12 years old. Launch Housing is committed to helping families and…
28.03.18
What does it mean to be “at-risk” of homelessness?
By guest blogger Deb Batterham, Researcher, Launch Housing Preventing homelessness is a key part of homelessness policy in the developed world. Prevention efforts aim to target interventions to those ‘at risk’ to prevent their future homelessness and reduce overall homelessness rates. But despite the importance of prevention, we don’t really have a clear definition of…
08.03.18
Women's Rapid Re-Housing Program
The Women’s Rapid Re-Housing Program aims to move women, and women with children, out of homelessness as rapidly as possible, and ideally prevent them from entering the homelessness system altogether. The program provides access to flexible, short-term financial assistance for women and their children to either find suitable alternative housing, or maintain their current tenancy.…
23.02.18
How can corporate sector partnerships help end homelessness?
On 22 February, Launch Housing’s social enterprise Home Ground Real Estate, Australia’s first not-for-profit real estate agency, hosted a breakfast forum bringing together panellists from the local government, not for profit and corporate sectors, as well as a tenant and landlord. The discussion centred around one theme: How can the corporate sector partner to help…
05.01.18
Heatwaves and homelessness
Keeping cool, staying out of the sun during the hottest part of the day, and drinking plenty of water is important for everyone during hot weather and heatwaves. According to research by Victorian Council of Social Service, people experiencing homelessness—particularly those sleeping rough—are especially vulnerable during periods of extreme heat for a number of reasons:…
05.12.17
In the spotlight: Youth Foyer Mentoring Program
On any given night more than 6,000 young people in Victoria are experiencing homelessness. Of this number, more than 50 percent are not involved in education or employment. To help address this issue, Launch Housing, in partnership with the Brotherhood of St Laurence, opened two Education First Youth Foyers – Holmesglen Foyer, based at Holmesglen Institute’s Waverley campus, and…
17.10.17
Explainer: The link between poverty and homelessness
By guest blogger Violet Kolar, Researcher, Launch Housing For the past 25 years Australia has enjoyed uninterrupted economic growth, yet in 2016, 3 million people in Australia were living below the poverty line after paying for their housing, including more than 731,000 children under the age of 15. According to the Committee for Economic Development…
21.09.17
Is this the answer to Melbourne's lack of affordable housing?
According to the 2011 Census, more than 105,000 people are currently experiencing homelessness in Australia (data from the 2016 census is due to be released in 2018). We know from our research that a lack of affordable housing is the number one cause of homelessness. Latest figures (as of September 2017) from the Victorian State Government…
19.06.17
A day in the life: Keith Leveridge, our Meet and Greet Worker, Collingwood
Meet Keith. Keith is our Meet and Greet Worker at our Initial Assessment and Planning (IAP) service in Collingwood. IAPs provide individuals and families in housing crisis with housing support as well as offering information and advice. Keith Leveridge, Meet and Greet worker, Launch Housing, CollingwoodKeith has a lived experience of homelessness and has recently started…
18.05.17
Homelessness and the Budget: Oped from our CEO Tony Keenan
George is young man of thirty and already has been homeless a few times. Like many in this position he has not had an easy life, he was in a number of foster homes and has not had a job in two years. He has never had a stable family to support him and bounces…
01.05.17
1367 women & children helped through national Rapid Rehousing Fund
Article written by guest blogger Jessica Christie from REA Group Every few months, our community partners at Launch Housing share an update with us on the social impact of the national Rapid Rehousing Fund we created together and launched in December 2014. The fund was developed to help women and children at risk of or…
04.04.17
Bianca’s story: Life at an Education First Youth Foyer
On any given night in Victoria, around 4,000 young people are homeless. Of this number, over 50 percent are not involved in education or employment. To help address this issue, Launch Housing in partnership with the Brotherhood of St Laurence, has opened two Education First Youth Foyers – Holmesglen Foyer, based at Holmesglen Institute’s Waverley campus, and Kangan…
08.03.17
Lindel’s story: Life at an Education First Youth Foyer
Lindel is 22 and a student at one of the two Education First Youth Foyers we’ve opened in partnership with the Brotherhood of St Laurence. Funded by the State Government of Victoria, the Foyers are the first of their kind in Victoria. Their aim is to help address the fact that of the 4,000 young…
04.01.17
New research highlights the benefits of permanent supportive housing in ending homelessness
New research has highlighted the benefits of permanent supportive housing in ending homelessness for people living with a psychotic illness and reducing their use of mental health inpatient units. The findings are from one of the first studies to test this innovative approach to housing in Australia. The study focused on a group of people…
23.11.16
Housing affordability a perfect storm for those least able to pay
Launch Housing Chief Executive Tony Keenan talks about the lack of affordable housing and the flow on effects to homelessness we’re seeing in Melbourne. Having worked in organisations that provide services to people experiencing homelessness, I’m not surprised to be asked why people become homeless. But I find it gobsmacking that people hardly ever…
12.11.16
Families Supportive Housing
Why do we need a supportive housing project for Melbourne families? Launch Housing and Uniting are going to develop an innovative central city supportive housing project for women and children. Prompted by increasing requests for housing and support services from Melbourne mothers, the project will deliver a safe place for these families to live and…
02.10.16
A day in the life: Sarah's student placement
Sarah joined us to complete her student placement as a part of her Social work Studies at Deakin University. Her placement was at our South Yarra site in the Young Adults Program which supports people aged 16-25yrs to access and maintain housing and work towards long term housing options. Here’s what she had to say…
16.09.16
Explainer: What is the link between the cost of housing and homelessness
By guest blogger Greg Ford, Research, Service Development & Advocacy, Launch Housing Summary Homelessness is caused by a range of factors, including the lack of affordable housing. This explainer looks at the link between changes to Melbourne’s housing market and homelessness. 1. Over the past decade, Melbourne’s house prices have risen at three times the…
