First Steps Course — Dive Deeper
We keep the First Steps course nice and simple so you can get out there and play a part in changing the world.
But there's a lot of interesting research, resources, and guidance behind it all. If you'd like to dive deeper into any topic from the course, explore the links below.
Why We Connect
The research behind why connection—not charity—shifts homelessness from an identity to an issue.
Research & Evidence:
- Contact Hypothesis: A Meta-Analysis (Pettigrew & Tropp, 2006) — 500+ studies showing meaningful contact between different groups reduces prejudice
- Three Layers of Stigma (Kessler et al., 2005) — How public, self, and structural stigma work—and how connection disrupts all three
- Housing First: Evidence and Implementation — National Alliance to End Homelessness guide on Housing First approach
Circle Posts:
- Defining Homelessness in Australia
- Why Do People Experience Homelessness?
- Stigma Research: Understanding the Three Layers
- Flourishing & Eudaimonia: Why Connection Matters as Much as Housing
- The State of Homelessness in Australia: Key Statistics
How To Do It
Practical guidance for handling conversations and tricky situations.
Circle Resources:
- The Art of Outreach — Communication skills that help you connect authentically
- Handling Difficult Situations on Outreach — Scenarios and strategies for challenging moments
- Outreach Checklist — Quick reference for safety, boundaries, and listening skills
Conversation Skills:
- Motivational Interviewing Basics — Evidence-based approach to conversations that respect autonomy
- Active Listening in Practice — Core communication skills for meaningful connection
Coming Soon:
- Video examples of outreach conversations
You're Part of Something Bigger
Understanding the ecosystem—your role, professional services, and how it all fits together.
Research on Community Connection:
- Social Capital and Community Health (Kawachi & Berkman) — How community networks protect against isolation
- Social Role Valorization (Wolfensberger) — Framework for creating valued social roles
Circle Resources:
- Social Role Valorization: Restoring Valued Social Roles
- Support Services for People Experiencing Homelessness
- How Mobilise Uplifts the Existing Support System
About Mobilise's Approach:
- How Mobilise Got Started: A Grassroots Movement
- What is Direct Giving? Trust, Dignity, and Autonomy
- Direct Giving as an Opportunity Engine
Mobilise Programs:
- Mobilise Kickstarter: Breaking the Cycle with Rental Support
- Mobilise Matched: Australia's First Direct Cash Transfer Programme
- Mobilise Mobility: Removing Transport Barriers
- Mobilise Pay: Empowering single mothers through direct giving
- Mobilise Wellbeing: A program providing support for psychiatric assessments
- How our programs are changing lives
External Evidence:
- Direct Cash Transfers: What Works — Evidence for unconditional cash support
Coming Soon:
- Self-care and boundaries resources for Mobilisers
Head Out
Resources to help you choose your outreach style and learn from others.
Getting Started:
- Outreach Checklist — Quick reference for when you're heading out
- Post in Heading Out — Share where you went, how it felt, what you learned
Stories & Perspectives:
- Invisible People — Video interviews with people experiencing homelessness across the world
- Surviving the Streets with Pjay — Interview with someone with lived experience
- Homelessness expert shares stories from the street
- A conversation with Ben Vasilio, CEO of Youth Projects
Coming Soon:
- Stories from Mobilisers in your area
- Map system explainer
Have a resource to add? Drop it in Heading Out or message an admin.