Launch Housing’s Theory of Change
Our Theory of Change is informed by an evidence-based approach to what works, the wisdom of lived experience, and the knowledge that comes from working with communities from the 1950s onwards. It guides our services, engagement and approach to ending homelessness in Melbourne.
Why a Tree?
Our Theory of Change (ToC) is symbolized by a tree, representing flexibility and resilience. It’s ready to embrace the winds of change: a healthy tree sways.
Anchored in Solid Roots
The roots cover six foundations that define our work: our service philosophy, scale, impact, values, and cultural safety. These roots remain constant, providing the foundation for ‘how we do things’. Our service philosophy, for example, is based on the belief in people’s strengths and capabilities to make changes in their lives.
The Trunk: Collaboration and Partnership
Collaboration is essential to tackle complex problems. No one actor can drive the change we need to end homelessness. We work with over 150+ partners to drive collective action, share data and insights, advocate for change, and coordinate together to end people’s homelessness. Strong partnerships are our core strength. For instance, our partnership with REA Group has supported nearly 6,000 individuals through the National Rapid Rehousing Fund. And the Cornelia Program, in collaboration with the Royal Women’s Hospital and HousingFirst, supports pregnant women in urgent need, helping 57 women and 30 babies this year.
The Canopy: Our Work
The canopy represents the most visible work we do, work we’re incredibly proud of. Our first branch represents solutions to homelessness under one roof: our services helping people at risk or experiencing homelessness, as a social landlord and Community Housing Provider, and as a builder of best-in-class innovative housing solutions.
But alone, Launch Housing building homes and delivering services will not end homelessness. So our second branch showcases the solutions that work across our sector, near and far, to pilot innovative ideas, using data and evidence to measure impact continually and to change the conversation to one of optimism and ambition.
If more people can see that change is possible, our third branch represents mobilising people and political leaders to stay the course and invest in progressive policies: so together we can end the housing and homelessness crisis in Australia.
The Fruits of Our Labour
The changes we need are threefold.
For the individual, a safe home brings the stability required to tackle any other issues that may be impacting their life. Only a place to call home and wrap-around support can begin to rewind the trauma of homelessness.
For services and systemic change, evidence-based solutions ensure the adoption of programs that magnify impact and ensure the strongest return on community investment.
And for the broader public narrative, the conversation shifts towards empathy and kindness, where homelessness is seen as a temporary glitch in the system that needs correcting, a person that needs our help. Together, we can create a future where homelessness is rare, brief, and non-recurring.