Homelessness

What is homelessness? 

There is no one definition of homelessness, and there are many different types of homelessness. Generally, it means not having a safe, secure, and private place to live.

Types of homelessness: 

  • Primary homelessness where people don’t have conventional accommodation and can include sleeping rough on the streets or in parks, cars or makeshift houses such as sheds and garages.  

  • Secondary homelessness where people are moving between temporary accommodation such as ‘couch surfing’ which is when someone stays at a friend or relative’s house. This can also include moving between emergency accommodation, refuges and hostels. 

  • Tertiary homelessness where people are living in places that are below minimum standards, for example in caravan parks, a rooming house or houses that are severely overcrowded.  

Why do people experience homelessness? 

Homelessness is not a choice, and many things can lead to homelessness such as family and domestic violence, financial hardship, lack of affordable housing, unemployment or job loss, physical and/or mental health issues, drug and alcohol addiction and family/relationship breakdown.

What does Hobsons Bay City Council do about homelessness? 

  • Works to provide information and connect people experiencing homelessness with local services in Hobsons Bay that can assist in supporting their needs. 
  • Partner with, support and fund local service providers in Hobsons Bay to assist those experiencing, or at risk of homelessness. 
  • Advocates for increased access to social and affordable housing. You can read about Council's Affordable Housing Policy here.

Please understand it can take a long time to engage with and find the right supports for people experiencing homelessness. Often there aren’t many housing options available, so we ask that you be patient with us, our service providers and individuals experiencing homelessness.

Where can I get help if I am experiencing, or I or someone I know is at risk of experiencing homelessness in Hobsons Bay?  

Unison
Unison provides homelessness services for people in Melbourne’s west and is the local access point for Hobsons Bay. 

Call: 1800 825 955 
Web: unison.org.au  
Locations: 

Seddon 
112-122 Victoria Street, Seddon, 3011  
Open: Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm 

Werribee  
70 Cottrell Street, Werribee, 3030 
Open: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm 


Statewide After-Hours Service 
In Victoria, the statewide after-hours service can be reached at 1800 825 955 at any time, day or night. This is a free call. 

Latitude Directions for Young People 
Homelessness service for young people aged 16-25yrs in Melbourne's West and provides outreach support to anyone sleeping rough in Hobsons Bay regardless of age.  

Call: 9315 0061
Web: www.latitude.asn.au
Location: G Den Dulk Reserve, 2 Somers Parade, Altona, 3018 
Open: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

How can I explain homelessness to my kids? 

Don’t be afraid to talk about it honestly and openly, but in an age-appropriate way. Be sure to use simple language. 

Start with explaining what homelessness is and the different types of homelessness. That homelessness is when someone doesn’t have a safe place to live all the time. It isn’t just people sleeping on the street, but includes people living in their car, sleeping on a friend’s couch, in temporary accommodation or in places with too many people.  

Talk about some of the things that can lead to homelessness. Be sure to do so with empathy and kindness to create compassion and not fear. Some examples: 

  • Sometimes it can be because they have lost their job, or they might have an illness or disability that has made things harder for them.
  • Housing is expensive and there are not enough homes for everyone.
  • It might also be because someone they trust or live with has hurt them, and their home is not safe for them.

Address common stereotypes and misconceptions. Emphasis that people experiencing homelessness are not that different from us, they are doing their best but are facing challenges and difficult circumstances. Lead by example, something as simple as smiling can begin to break down the ‘scary’ stereotypes.

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