Street to Home is an innovative approach to ending homelessness for some of the most vulnerable members of our community. It is relatively new in Australia, but has already recorded major successes overseas.
Originating in New York, it has spread across the US, to the UK, Canada and now to Australia based on the concept of giving people experiencing long-term homelessness fast access to quality housing together with ongoing support.
This gets them off the street and into permanent housing without the need to prove they are ‘housing ready’ or move through crisis accommodation or the transitional housing system. It is an example of a Housing First approach and fits well with other innovative approaches like Supportive Housing.
The Federal Government’s White Paper on Homelessness identified Street to Home as one of its key strategies in delivering on its commitment to halve the number of Australians experiencing homelessness by 2020.
It is currently being implemented in Sydney, Brisbane and Canberra and is already operating in Adelaide.
Melbourne’s Street to Home program is a partnership between HomeGround Services, The Salvation Army Adult Services and The Salvation Army Crisis Services and the Royal District Nursing Service – Homeless Persons Program.
Street to Home focuses on housing placement, establishment and tenancy sustainability for the most vulnerable members of the homeless population. People are assessed using a vulnerability index tool.
Once housed, the focus shifts to establishing and sustaining long-term tenancies and providing tailored support that builds on the stable foundation that housing provides.
Street to Home helps people sleeping rough to move directly into permanent homes.
It identifies and houses those who have been homeless the longest, who have the most disabling conditions and who are least likely to secure housing through existing services and programs.
For more information visit the Melbourne Street to Home website.