Homelessness and sleeping rough

Council is committed to the human rights and dignity of people sleeping rough, experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

To help we have introduced an assertive outreach program, formed a homelessness group and continue to advocate for more to be done by the state and federal governments.

Find Local Help

Connecting residents with support
Council provide a free confidential service to connect residents with the support they need.
The Service Navigation and Information Program provides information on first steps in navigating and accessing local services.
You can call our Service Navigators on 9457 9800 or email service.navigation@banyule.vic.gov.au

Noticed someone sleeping rough?

If you are concerned about a person sleeping rough in Banyule, let us know so we can get to know them and connect them with the right support.

Tell us about a sleeping rough concern

Homelessness on the rise

It has been projected that 127,680 people have or will experience homelessness across Australia in 2025 (Hannah’s House). Up from an estimated 122,494 in 2021. For many people it would only take one change in their situation to be at risk of homelessness, for instance if their hours of paid work were cut back or if the cost of their mortgage repayments or rent increased. According to the Australian Human Right Commission some groups of people are at greater risk of experiencing homelessness. These include:

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
  • Women
  • Children and young people
  • People with mental illness
  • Refugees and asylum seekers

We recognise that homelessness, including people who are sleeping rough, is often the result of systemic issues. These issues can stem from job or housing challenges, family violence, health issues or substance abuse. Each experience of homelessness is unique to the individual.

Rough sleeping
Rough sleeping is the most extreme and literal form of homelessness and includes all kinds of living without access to conventional dwellings such as sleeping in cars, derelict buildings, tents, swags, in open spaces, and other types of improvised shelter.

What is Council doing

Supporting people who are sleeping rough

Council has funded a new assertive outreach program in Banyule in partnership with Merri Outreach Support Service. Assertive outreach engages with rough sleepers and individuals experiencing homelessness to provide enhanced access to essential support services and housing solutions. This outreach program is responsive to reports made to Council, and also proactive - helping to build rapport and understand individual needs of the person sleeping rough.

The Banyule Assertive Community Outreach Program (BACO) assists people sleeping rough and in need of a suitable home across the municipality. BACO connects them to essential services and stable housing.

Through consistent and person-centred outreach, BACO builds trust, learns about each person’s circumstances and goals, and then designs tailored support plans. This approach empowers people to secure sustainable, long-term homes and the services they need to thrive.

Homelessness Network Group

To collaboratively address homelessness and rough sleeping, Council has formed a local Homelessness Network Group uniting organisations and services across the municipality.

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