Melbourne Zero uses the Advance to Zero method, already proven to end homelessness in communities overseas. Using a housing-first approach, this is underpinned by real-time data provided by a By-Name List, and deep collaboration. 

Advance to Zero involves service providers in each local community working together (inc homelessness outreach, healthcare, housing, legal and community support services) with council to get to know each person who is sleeping rough and add them to their local ‘By-Name List.’ 

The By-Name List is a person-centred approach to ending rough-sleeping - a simple process with a powerful impact. Outreach workers go to meet each person sleeping rough in our community. They get to know the person by name, learning who they are and what they need.  

Services are then brought together to help that person to access permanent housing. It's an integrated approach where everyone works together to find housing for each person on the By-Name List, and supports them to sustain that housing. 

Collaboration is key in this client-centred, housing first approach as the service system works together to share data and build trust with people who have often been moved from service to service over their many years of homelessness.   

If interested to know more, we have a whole page that explains the By-Name List in detail.