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 that you have control over.  

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, boarding housing or houses that are severely overcrowded.  

Homelessness in Hobsons Bay 

There were 297 people experiencing homelessness in Hobsons Bay in 2021 according to the Census. 

  • 3 people sleeping rough.  
  • 83 people living in supported accommodation for the homeless. 
  • 28 people staying temporarily with other households. 
  • 80 people living in boarding houses. 
  • 97 people living in ‘severely’ crowded dwellings. 

Why do people experience homelessness? 

Homelessness is not a choice, and many things can lead to homelessness such as family and domestic violence, financial difficulties, shortage of affordable housing, unemployment or job loss, physical and/or mental health issues, drug and alcohol addiction, and family/relationship breakdown. Similarly, experiencing homelessness can cause a lot of stress and lead to drug and alcohol abuse/addiction as a way of coping, and physical and/or mental health issues. 

What does Hobsons Bay City Council do about homelessness? 

  • Work 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 experiencing homelessness 
  • Advocate 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 sleeping rough. Often there aren’t many housing options available, so we ask that you be patient with us, our service providers and individuals experiencing homelessness. Please remember this isn’t anyone's choice.

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

Latitude: Directions for Young People  

Latitude is a Council outreach support service that supports homeless young people in Melbourne’s west, regardless of age.

  • Visit: 2 Somers Parade, Altona  
  • Call: 9315 0061  
  • Open: Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm 

Laverton Community Integrated Services (LCIS) 

LCIS provides a free and confidential crisis intervention service. It also refers people who are in an emergency or crisis within Hobsons Bay to other services.

  • Visit: Laverton Community Hub, 95-105 Railway Avenue, Laverton  
  • Call: 03 8368 1078  
  • Open: Monday – Friday, 9:30am - 5pm 

For other support, please visit our support services page.

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: 

  • Explaining how a lot of people experiencing homelessness have had a hard time, and often not had a lot of care and love when they were growing up. This can mean they might not cope with normal everyday things as well as others.
  • 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, or because houses are too expensive. 
  • 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. Emphasise 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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