“Until you experience homelessness, you can't really understand it. Before I had a picture of what homelessness would be in my mind.  It's not just about shelter it’s about your body. It's all about your environment, how you feel,” - Haryath, Melburnian who experienced homelessness.  

Melbourne Zero is dedicated to amplifying the voices of people who have lived through homelessness to both empower story holders and build our community’s understanding of what it really means to experience homelessness. 

Here you’ll find the stories of five Melburnians who have generously shared their stories to challenge stereotypes, raise awareness, and inspire change. These real-life stories offer a diverse perspective on what it's like to be homeless and provide insight into the unique challenges people face, including how our own words and actions can make a difference. 

Our deepest thanks to Beth, Patrick, Susan, Alex and Haryath for their courage and generosity in sharing their stories.