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1.3 What options does someone experiencing homelessness have?

With the ultimate goal of being able to help individuals in need, it’s important for you to understand the support available to those experiencing homelessness. Here are some of the main ways that individuals can find help

Homelessness Access Points - a formally recognised and designated entry point for people to access resources provided by the homelessness service system. These are physical places where an assessment is completed by an intake assessment worker and then, depending on their needs, people are connected to crisis accommodation and services. Often, here is where people are connected with case managers.

Ask Izzy - Ask Izzy is an online resource where people can find available services for a range of different needs, including meals, housing, counselling, family violence support and more. It is free and anonymous and lists thousands of support services across Australia.

Assertive outreaches - Some organisations may run outreaches, where they go out on the street and talk with people who are rough sleeping and possible connect them to support services or case managers. This is mostly targeted towards those experiencing primary homelessness. Keep in mind that outreaches look different with different organisations.

What prevents people from accessing support?

Although it may seem that there is an abundance of support services available to those experiencing homelessness, it is important to understand that there are other factors that may prevent people from receiving the help that they need.

An overburdened system: In 2021-2022, over 270,000 people were supported by homelessness services, however an additional 105,000 were unable to get support when they sought it. This problem is most prominent in crisis accommodation, with around 1 in 3 people seeking housing assistance turned away daily due to demand outweighing available housing and support.

Mental barriers: To seek help is to admit that one is experiencing homelessness or is struggling, and the stigma surrounding homelessness can often lead to a reluctance to reach out. People may feel that their situation is not as bad as others’ and thus do not deserve support, which may hinder their ability to get back on their feet. Indeed, people may not even know that their experience counts as homelessness, particularly those at the secondary or tertiary level, and thus are in the dark about services and help available to them.

Negative experiences with support services in the past: Occasionally, people may have negative experiences with case managers or support services, or have heard about negative experiences, which discourage them from reaching out again, even if their situation becomes worse. It is important that every interaction that people have with such services are positive, so that they are more likely to both seek help when they need it, and recommend services to others.

Additional resources