Join the movement
Together we can end homelessness in Melbourne, starting with ending rough sleeping by 2030. Join the Melbourne Zero movement to be part of positive change. We're an 8,000+ strong - and growing - movement of people, business and organisations pushing for change to end rough sleeping homelessness one community at a time. Keep an eye on your email inbox (and socials) for progress updates and practical actions you can take to support change - like these:
Know what to do in the moment
Seeing someone sleeping rough in your local area can feel confronting, especially when you're unsure how to help.
While there's no one right action, it is clear that the kindness of strangers can make the world of difference (and that means each of us).
Stop
See the person. Simple actions from making eye contact or a warm smile can be the start of acknowledging someone's humanity and dignity. Acknowledge the person is there and part of our community. If it feels appropriate, consider pausing to share a pleasant comment.
Share
If it feels appropriate, consider asking how the person is and if there's something they'd like. Sharing a hot coffee, voucher, food, money or socks can brighten someone's day. If they have an animal, share kind words about it or ask what their pet's name is. Be sure to keep your own expectations in check. Be mindful that some people don't want to be approached.
Care
While you've just shown that our community cares, know there's more you can do as you walk away. Contacting your local council can help connect someone with the immediate and longer term support they need. Read on for other actions you can take to help.
Be part of the change in your local LGA
Advocate for change at your local Council
There are two key ways to advocate to council: through public meetings, and advocating for individual councillors to champion change. Download our Grassroots Action Guide
Spark change across our community
Vote for systemic change
Vote for policies that end homelessness (more housing + healthcare + support). Local, State and Federal elections come but every few years and when they do it's a moment to reflect on the policies and platforms candidates and parties offer to end homelessness in Melbourne.
Policy-fueled problems require policy-change solutions. See the handy summary on VCOSS website. Spread the word. Every vote counts.
Bust stigma
- Words matter. Simple changes like replacing the phrase homeless person with person experiencing homelessness reflects it's a temporary experience rather than someone's permanent identity.
- Say something positive about public housing in your community. Use our helpful guide for having conversations at home, work or school. Help reinforce that only more housing + healthcare + support ends homelessness.
- Listen to people with a lived experience discuss things you should know about homelessness in this short video - and share it!
Amplify advocacy
Help amplify advocacy campaigns that address the root causes of homelessness. Follow, engage with and share Melbourne Zero's Instagram and Facebook content, order campaign stickers (contact [email protected] to arrange collection) and show your support for:
- Everybody's Home - a national campaign to fix the housing crisis;
- Raise the Rate - a national campaign to increase JobSeeker & Rent Assistance to keep people out of poverty permanently;
- YIMBY Melbourne - a movement advocating for housing abundance across Melbourne's inner-city councils on behalf of the voices of people who'd like to live in an area but can't.
Pay it forward
Use your purchasing power – and ‘pay it forward' when buying your next coffee, catering, clothes, good read, cosmetics or interior design. Our Melbourne Zero partners including a host of social enterprises, are all actively addressing homelessness in Melbourne. Show them some love in return. Why not buy one extra for someone else doing it tough?
Own an investment property? Switch to ethical real estate
Consider switching the management of any investment properties in your orbit to an ethical real estate agency. HomeGround Real Estate is a social enterprise real estate agency where 100% profits help end homelessness in Melbourne. It offers premium property management services enabling property owners to rent out their investment at standard market rates or offer affordable or social rental rates (with special tax-deductible benefits!) for an even greater impact.
Create a more inclusive workplace
Take steps in your workplace to become a more inclusive employer for people at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
The Body Shop implemented Australia's first Open Hiring practice in 2021 seeking Christmas casual staff based on their potential not their past. They gained loyal permanent employees and started changing lives. Ikea and Dan Murphy's have since come on board - open Hiring can be a gamechanger!
Donate or volunteer
Donate or volunteer to support a community organisation working to end homelessness. One-off donations from the public help run and scale support services and housing solutions. Regular gifts (monthly donations) provide stability that enables even deeper impact. Many orgs in our Melbourne Zero Network rely on volunteers like you to deliver their vital services across Melbourne.