Homelessness in Bayside: Support and assistance
Background
The theme for Homelessness Week 2023 is It's time to end homelessness. Homelessness Week 2023 information and action packs are available on the Homelessness Australia website.
- Local homelessness support organisations
- Find out more and ways to help
- What is Bayside City Council doing about homelessness?
- Find out more about the My Name Is project
- Read the stories from people who have experienced homelessness
Council recognises homelessness and insecure housing is a growing issue within the Bayside municipality. Our Community Care Team conducts outreach to people who are sleeping rough. We can assist to find accommodation and connect rough sleepers to relevant support agencies. The team also works with those who are at risk of homelessness by providing advocacy, case management and practical assistance.
Assistance
If you are homeless and needing assistance with housing or other support, or if you are concerned for the welfare of someone sleeping rough, please call our Community Care Team on 9599 4444 or email relief@bayside.vic.gov.au.
Local homelessness support organisation
Launch Housing
Launch Housing is Victoria’s largest provider of housing and homelessness support services. They provide flexible, specialist services that directly assist thousands of men, women, young people, children and families every year.
Free call 24 hours 1800 825 955 - you can visit at 11 Chesterville Rd, Cheltenham
BayCISS
BayCISS is a not-for-profit community charity providing an extensive range of assistance for community members.
Hampton East Centre
12 Katoomba Street
Hampton East, 3188
9555 6560 or 9555 9910
Open daily Monday–Friday
Ask Izzy
Ask Izzy is free and anonymous. You can search over 360,000 services to find housing, meals, healthcare, counselling, legal advice, addiction treatment and a whole lot more.
Find out more and ways to help
Help dispel misconceptions about homelessness by visiting Council to Homeless Persons' website.
Support the call for a fairer housing system for all Australians by signing on to the Everybody’s Home campaign.
Share your strengths such as expertise, material goods or donations with a local organisation and encourage your friends and family to do the same.
What is Bayside City Council doing about homelessness?
- Ensure that people requiring assistance are referred to the appropriate service providers or agencies as soon as possible
- Provide information to the community about where they can access health, financial, legal, or housing assistance
- Provide information to assist with the understanding of homelessness by the broader community
- Monitor the extent of homelessness in the Bayside municipality
- Remove hazardous items (sharps, waste, open alcohol)
- Increase staff understanding about the causes of homelessness and local support services
- Monitor compliance with local laws
Bayside City Council is also part of an alliance of Councils in the East and South-East region of Melbourne that created and adopted The Regional Local Government Homelessness & Social Housing Charter 2020, following a forum of CEOs and senior staff from all Councils, initiated by Monash Council in November 2019. The Regional Local Government Homelessness & Social Housing Charter 2020 prioritises three regional commitments which the 13 Councils are acting on:
- Work in partnership with federal and state government, public and private sector partners in a coordinated approach to deliver meaningful outcomes to increase the provision of social housing and respond to homelessness in east and south east Melbourne
- Scope land within each Local Government Area that has the potential to be re-purposed for adaptable housing needs
- Advocate together for inclusive housing growth including mandatory inclusionary zoning.
The Local Government areas that form this collective are: City of Casey, City of Cardinia, Frankston City Council, City of Greater Dandenong, Knox City Council, City of Kingston, Manningham City Council, City of Monash, Maroondah City Council, Mornington Peninsula Shire, City of Whitehorse, Yarra Ranges Council and Bayside City Council.
This group is supported by Eastern Affordable Housing Alliance (EAHA), Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV), Eastern Region Group of Councils [ERG] and the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH)/Homes Victoria (HV).
Council also has a number of strategic plans that aim to increase supply of accessible and affordable housing, as well as promote equity and wellbeing for our diverse community members. We actively work with all identified people experiencing homelessness, linking them with support services on a daily basis. If you have any questions or concerns about homelessness in Bayside please call us on (03) 9599 4444.
My Name Is...project
The My Name Is…Project is a joint initiative of the Cities of Bayside, Port Phillip and Kingston supported by Council to Homeless Persons.
Together with 6 inspiring individuals who have experienced homelessness, we are helping to shine a light on homelessness. We want to confront the stereotypes and stigmas of people experiencing homelessness. It is a diverse and complex issue. The stereotypes and misreporting that surround it are impacting on the steps that can be taken to help eliminate homelessness.
We recognise the critical shortage of affordable housing across Melbourne and support increasing the amount of affordable housing. Affordable housing is a complex issue. All levels of government, federal, state and local have a responsibility in this issue.
The community is also concerned about homelessness and people want to know how they can help. Through the project, we will be drawing attention to the many ways individuals can help.