Homelessness services
Building pathways out of homelessness — together
For every homeless person you see on the street, there are 15 more you can’t. Homelessness in Australia is complex, growing, and often hidden.
122,494 men, women and children were identified as being homeless
(ABS Census, 2021)
At The Salvation Army, we believe no one should be without a safe, affordable, and secure home. As one of the nation’s largest providers of homelessness services, we support thousands of individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness every year.
Impact at scale
In 2024, across our national homelessness services:
Over 38,000 people experiencing or at risk of homelessness were assisted
Over 1.4 million meals delivered to people in our residential facilities
More than 730,000 nights of accommodation were provided
Nearly 354,000 sessions of care were delivered
Homelessness affects us all
Homelessness can happen to anyone, caused by factors such as financial hardship, unemployment, family violence, mental health challenges, or lack of affordable housing.
Being at risk of or experiencing homelessness will profoundly affect a person’s ability to access and maintain employment, education and training, family and social networks, health, and wellbeing.
Over-represented groups in the population experiencing homelessness include First Nations people, people with disability, LGBTIQA+ communities and people, veterans, older persons, youth and culturally and linguistically diverse persons.
The Salvation Army provide an inclusive and respectful approach, and an environment and services that are safe and inclusive for everyone.
Comprehensive support for lasting change
We assist people through:
- Crisis, transitional and housing focused approach
- Case management
- Financial assistance, meals and other basic necessities
- Outreach support and community connection
- Counselling
- Referral to other specialist services
Wherever possible, we endorse a ‘housing focused’ approach, assisting people to find suitable, safe, affordable housing before addressing other needs.
We acknowledge the traumas that lie at the heart of experiences of homelessness. Our services support positive environments that provide safety and opportunities for people to gain control and self-determination.
Measuring what matters
Our National Homelessness Stream services team measures service effectiveness through a National Outcomes Framework. We collect quantitative and qualitative evidence, including first-hand accounts, to regularly assess and improve service delivery, and embed reflective practice.
This evaluation cycle ensures our Homelessness Model of Care stays current with best practice and the evolving needs of those we support.
Our model of care
A person-centred, outcomes-focused approach
The Salvation Army’s Homelessness Model of Care guides how we support people in every state and territory. It ensures individuals and families receive the right care, at the right time, by the right team, and in the right place.
Developed through research, lived experience, and practice wisdom, our model of care aligns with national and state frameworks, and reflects our Mission, Vision and Values.
Our care is person-centred — placing the individual at the heart of every decision. Care plans are built around people’s goals and strengths, helping to build resilience, motivation and trust.
Supported by robust systems, training and reflective practice, the model ensures consistency across our services and helps individuals and families move toward long-term stability and recovery.
Parsons, S, Fitzhenry, B, Donoghue, J & McCallum, S 2023, The Salvation Army Australia National Homelessness Stream: Model of Care 2023-2026, The Salvation Army Australia
Real stories, real urgency
“I was unable to pay my rent, which meant I lost my home. My children had to go and stay with their father until I could find somewhere new. I lived in my car for three months, then couch-surfed for two more months after my car broke down.”
– 30-year-old woman from Victoria
Homelessness profoundly affects people’s physical and mental health, safety, social connection, confidence, education and work opportunities.
Get in touch
Together, we can end homelessness
By supporting our comprehensive homelessness programs, we can build pathways to stability, health, and opportunity for thousands of individuals and families.
Your support is not just a donation — it is a commitment to transforming lives, reducing demand on public services, and strengthening our communities.
Join us in creating a future where no one in Australia faces the devastating impacts of homelessness.
Partner with The Salvation Army and make a lasting difference.
Our dedicated team of relationship managers will contact you as soon as possible, using the contact details provided. We appreciate your patience and look forward to connecting.
"*" indicates required fields