Recognising that the complexity and extent of the housing crisis needed a comprehensive, targeted response, we created Homes Melbourne in 2022 – a multi-disciplinary team committed to ending homelessness and increasing safe, secure, and affordable housing in our city.
Homes Melbourne is helping to solve the affordable housing crisis and create pathways out of homelessness – at pace and scale.
About Homes Melbourne
The Homes Melbourne team brings housing, homelessness and policy experts together to innovate, advocate and collaborate with partners across the housing sector.
We are working with governments, businesses, developers, funders, community housing organisations and the not-for-profit sector to deliver facilitate 6000 affordable homes and reduce homelessness in our city.
Every community member deserves access to safe, high-quality rental housing close to jobs and services. Research shows that for every $1 invested in affordable housing, the community benefit is $3. Investment in affordable housing is an investment in both essential infrastructure and people.
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Make Room
Providing secure supported housing for people experiencing rough sleeping or chronic homelessness in Melbourne.
Affordable housing projects
All Melburnians deserve access to safe and affordable housing.
Real stories
Discover the stories of people who have experienced homelessness on the streets of Melbourne. Our initiatives help to support people just like this.
Affordable Housing Strategy
Our 10-year Affordable Housing Strategy outlines our commitment to deliver, plan, advocate for and deliver more affordable housing in the City of Melbourne.
Donate to Make Room
Help us reduce homelessness in Melbourne by making a tax-deductible donation to Make Room, via the Lord Mayor's Charitable Foundation.
Affordable housing and homelessness in the City of Melbourne
- As of 1 March 2024, 78 people were identified on the Melbourne By Name list as sleeping rough in the municipality of Melbourne.
- Despite comprising just 0.5 per cent of the City of Melbourne's population, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people equate to 17 per cent of total rough sleepers.
- More than a quarter of people sleeping rough were women, and 13 per cent were aged over 55. 1163 people were recorded as being homeless in the 2021 Census. 130 of these people were sleeping rough in the City of Melbourne.
- There is an estimated shortfall of 6000 affordable homes.
- There is a predicted shortfall of 23,200 affordable homes by 2036, without intervention.
Support for people experiencing homelessness
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Housing and homelessness support
Support services are available for those experiencing homelessness.
Homelessness protocol and local laws
The City of Melbourne respects the rights of people who are sleeping rough. We are the first council in Victoria to have an in-house assertive outreach team to help people experiencing homelessness.
Homelessness support services
Services you can access if you're impacted by homelessness.
Helping out guide
A comprehensive list of free and low-cost services for people in need.
Are you concerned about someone?
Do you have concerns about the welfare of someone who is experiencing homelessness?
If a person is an immediate risk to themselves or others, or appears to be under 18, contact the police on 000.
Let us know of any welfare concerns, or if you see any accumulated items in public spaces, using our fast and easy online reporting system. Our Daily Support Team promptly follows up all reports and is trained to offer assistance and services for people in need.
