Homeless individuals in Melbourne sleep in diverse, often hidden, locations like parks, riverbanks, shopping centres, sheds, cars, and sometimes on the street (like Swanston St), but many also access crucial support through crisis shelters, youth refuges, and long-term supported housing provided by organizations like MCM, VincentCare, Launch Housing, and St Mary's House of Welcome, often requiring referrals for formal placements.
Make Room provides secure supportive housing for people experiencing rough sleeping or chronic homelessness in the City of Melbourne for up to 12 months or until they can secure access to long-term housing.
Medium to large parks with trees and bushes work very well. I slept in one for almost two years before anyone found out. Make sure to clean up after yourself. Don't leave ANY evidence you were there. Parks also work for naps during the day. Just try your best to not look homeless.
You can get help to find crisis accommodation by calling 1800 825 955 (free call, 24 hours). A housing and support worker will take your call. They will refer you to help in your local area. If you call out of business hours, you will be connected to the Salvation Army Crisis Services.
The Mornington Peninsula now has the highest number of people sleeping rough out of any local government area in Victoria – including Melbourne City. In 2024–25, more than 948 people sought support through independently funded homelessness services across the Peninsula.
A mix of severe housing shortages, new economic hardships, increased incidents of family and inter- personal violence, mental health, substance abuse, and pressured specialist services are entrenching homelessness in local communities.
There are no internationally agreed upon definitions of homelessness, making it difficult to compare levels of homelessness across countries. A majority of people experiencing homelessness long-term in Australia are found in the large cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.
You do not have to pay anything to stay in most of these shelters. Contact your council if you're homeless with nowhere to stay. Ask about emergency options.
300 Blankets is dedicated to supporting people experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Victoria. By reaching out to people who are disenfranchised and socially isolated, we strive to break down barriers and enrich a community where all people are accepted and respected through love, compassion and dignity.
Find shelters and temporary housing near you
Ask a homeless continuing care program provider for help. They can help you find temporary or permanent housing. Contact your local public housing agency (PHA) for help moving from homelessness to more permanent housing.
Through out the 56 days, the Council has a duty to work with you to take reasonable steps to secure accommodation. After the 56 days the Council may be satisfied that they have done everything it can to help you find accommodation.
Use a local charity or support service
If you or someone else is homeless, sleeping rough or facing a housing crisis, your priority should be to contact your local authority's Housing Options team to find out what help they can offer. Depending on your circumstances, this could be: Emergency accommodation – a place in a shelter or hostel.
Homeless participants experienced more sleepless nights than housed participants in both seasons. During the summer sleeping nights, homeless participants experienced sleep patterns similar to housed subjects, but during the winter, their sleep duration was up to 1.5 hours shorter.
You can also respond “no”, or “sorry”. If you feel the need to offer something, consider offering water or a gift card for food. To make an impact, consider redirecting your generosity by donating to local organizations that provide valuable services to the unsheltered.
Night shelters offer somewhere to sleep when you are rough sleeping. You usually sleep in a room with other people. Some night shelters offer showers and hot meals. To find a night shelter, contact us as early as possible during the day.
My friend is homeless – how can I help?
Only 6.2 per cent of people without a home are sleeping rough. The majority of homelessness is hidden - people in crisis accommodation, rooming houses, insecure housing, overcrowded dwellings or couch surfing.
If you are experiencing family violence, homelessness or are at risk of homelessness, these crisis and emergency contacts can help. Call 1800 825 955 (free call) at any time or call 000 if you are in danger right now. Find other services that can help, including mental health, youth and relationship services.
Surviving homelessness means taking extra care to ensure your basic needs—water, food, rest, and basic hygiene—are met. This is the foundation you'll build on later. Ask around about local food banks, community fridges, or church meal programs in your area.