Spring sunshine isn’t the only change in the air lately across Melbourne. Momentum towards zero homelessness is building, too!
Together, we're a movement of 5,000+ Melbournians who know our city can be a world leader in ending homelessness, starting with ending rough sleeping. And by focusing on the things we can each do to help make a difference the ripple effect of these actions is helping build a wave of change.
With a new Victorian Premier and Minister for Housing announced, and the Victorian government recently outlining significant housing reforms, our call to ensure healthcare and support is embedded in plans to tackle homelessness has never been more timely. More homes are needed - but so are the right supports to ensure people can access and sustain their housing. Please do keep sharing this call for change on your socials.
It’s World Homelessness Day next week (Tuesday, 10 October) – the global day of action where voices like ours from around the world join to show they care and call for change. There is no better time than to start some conversations with people in your orbit about ending homelessness in Melbourne. Inspiration below to help get you started.
And we’d love it if you could join us at the launch of the latest Zero project in Melbourne - in the City of Yarra. RSVPs close this Wednesday. Grab your ticket today.
RSVP to the launch of City of Yarra’s Zero project
Please join us as we formally kick off the City of Yarra’s Zero project.
From Collingwood to Abbotsford and Richmond to Carlton North, local services have begun collaborating to get to know each person sleeping rough by name, understand their needs and support them to find and sustain housing.
With the goal of reaching zero homelessness in the area – the point when more people move into permanent housing than enter homelessness – partners from the housing, health and legal services are coordinating a joint response locally to ensure our city is liveable for all of us.
Join us to find out more at the launch, including a special performance from iconic First Nations musician Dave Arden, speakers, networking and refreshments.
When: 6 pm - 7 pm Wednesday, 11 October.
Where: Collingwood Town Hall, 140 Hoddle Street, Abbotsford.
RSVP at [email protected] by 5 pm Wednesday, 4 October. Limited tickets are available.
Talking to kids about ending homelessness
"It’s important to emphasise that anyone can experience homelessness – children, young people, adults, families – and that being homeless is not about those people’s skills or efficacy. Fundamentally, it’s because there’s not enough affordable housing, or that people are not safe at home".
We caught up recently with Debi Rice, a guest speaker with The Big Issue’s classroom program, and Dr Catherine Robinson, Associate Professor in Housing and Communities at the University of Tasmania, for a fascinating chat about their work talking to kids about homelessness.
"Kids will grow up to run the world. Hopefully, they’ll think more compassionately [and] create a better world".
For more helpful tips about starting conversations about ending homelessness in Melbourne, also see our handy conversation guide here. Don’t miss our free resources, including videos to share, posters to download and stickers to order. Help spread the word this month.
Homelessness is solvable! Together, we can make Melbourne a liveable city for all.