Melbourne is proud to be one of the world’s progressive and liveable cities. So how is it still possible that hundreds of Melburnians are sleeping rough every single night? And how is it possible that we don't know these people by name?
The first step to ending rough sleeping is to know who's experiencing it, and to know them by name.
That's why we're working to implement By-Name Lists across all of metropolitan Melbourne.
It’s a simple process with a powerful impact: outreach workers go to meet each person sleeping rough in our community. They ask them their name, learn about who they are and what they need, so we can then bring services together to help them access and sustain appropriate permanent housing.
The By-Name List uses this person-centred approach to bring services and councils together around a shared understanding of people who are rough sleeping and the supports they need, to create a fairer city for all.
That's why we are calling on the State Government and all local governments across Melbourne to:
- Create and maintain a By-Name List that enables every person sleeping rough to be known personally by the services supporting them
- Work to improve supply of and pathways to social and affordable housing, with the services people need to escape the cycle of homelessness
- Support the creation of a metropolitan wide By-Name List, to ensure no one falls between the cracks as they move across Melbourne trying to find the help they need.
Add your voice to help build momentum for positive change today.
