🏠 Housing Crisis Emergency Guide: Immediate Help for Homelessness in Australia 2025

🆘 If you have nowhere to sleep tonight, don't panic. Help is available RIGHT NOW.

🚨 IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY ACCOMMODATION

If You Need Shelter Tonight

Call These Numbers NOW:

NSW: Link2home 1800 152 152 (24/7)
VIC: Launch Housing Crisis Line 1800 825 955 (24/7)
QLD: Brisbane Homelessness Service 3407 8700
WA: Perth Crisis Accommodation 1800 996 622
SA: Housing SA Crisis Line 131 172
TAS: Housing Connect 1800 800 588
ACT: Housing ACT 6207 1111
NT: Territory Housing 1800 645 783

Emergency Options Available Tonight:

Crisis accommodation hostels
Emergency shelters
Transitional housing
Motel vouchers (if available)
Safe places with specialist services

What to Bring if You Need to Leave Now

Essential Documents: ID, Medicare card, Centrelink card
Medications: All current medications
Clothing: Enough for 2-3 days
Mobile Phone: And charger if possible
Money: Any cash you have
Children's Items: If you have children - clothes, comfort items

Safe Places Open 24/7

Salvation Army: Call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58) St Vincent de Paul: Contact local branch Police Stations: Safe place to wait for help Hospital Emergency Departments: If you're unwell 24-Hour McDonald's/Service Stations: Temporary safe place while waiting for help

🏨 CRISIS ACCOMMODATION SERVICES BY STATE

NSW

Link2home: 1800 152 152 (24/7) What They Provide:

Immediate crisis accommodation
Temporary accommodation up to 28 days
Support to find longer-term housing
Connection to other services

Specialist Services:

Women's refuges for domestic violence
Youth accommodation for people under 25
Family accommodation for families with children
Men's services for single men

Major Providers:

Mission Australia: 13 14 57
The Salvation Army: 13 SALVOS
Anglicare: 13 26 45
St Vincent de Paul: 1800 606 724

VIC

Launch Housing Crisis Response: 1800 825 955 (24/7)

Crisis Accommodation Types:

Crisis refuges: Short-term emergency accommodation
Transitional housing: Medium-term (3-12 months)
Rooming houses: Supported accommodation
Motel accommodation: Emergency placement

Specialist Services:

Sacred Heart Mission (St Kilda): 9537 1166
Melbourne City Mission: 9614 5304
Uniting (formerly Uniting Care): 9851 4000
Salvation Army Crisis Services: 9639 5000

QLD

Brisbane Homelessness Service System: 3407 8700 Statewide Homelessness Services: 1800 474 753

Available Services:

Emergency accommodation
Case management
Mental health support
Drug and alcohol support
Employment assistance

Key Providers:

Micah Projects: 3029 7000
Lives Lived Well: 1300 526 268
Communify: 3292 9000
YWCA Brisbane: 3025 3100

WA

Perth Inner City Homelessness Alliance Crisis Accommodation Line: 1800 996 622

Services Include:

Crisis accommodation
Transitional accommodation
Support services
Mental health programs

Major Providers:

Ruah Community Services: 9215 4600
Foundation Housing: 9422 2247
MercyCare: 6374 0700
Salvation Army: 9260 9777

SA

Housing SA Crisis Line: 131 172

Emergency Options:

Crisis accommodation
Supported residential facilities
Emergency relief accommodation
Transitional housing

Service Providers:

Hutt St Centre: 8218 2300
UnitingCare Wesley: 1800 805 772
Catherine House (women): 8267 3500
Salvation Army: 8202 4444

TAS

Housing Connect: 1800 800 588

Services Available:

Emergency housing assistance
Crisis accommodation
Private rental support
Social housing applications

Support Organizations:

Anglicare Tasmania: 1800 243 232
The Salvation Army: 6234 3766
Colony 47: 6231 0555

ACT

Housing ACT: 6207 1111 ACT Homelessness Services: 6205 2222

Available Support:

Crisis accommodation
Transitional housing
Supported accommodation
Tenancy support

NT

Territory Housing: 1800 645 783

Darwin Services:

Larrakia Nation: 8948 4251
Don Dale Detention Centre Outreach: 8999 3144

Alice Springs Services:

Tangentyere Council: 8951 4251

💰 EMERGENCY FINANCIAL HELP FOR HOUSING

Centrelink Crisis Payments

Crisis Payment for Extreme Circumstances

You might be eligible if you:

Have been affected by domestic violence
Were recently released from prison
Were affected by a natural disaster
Are in severe financial hardship

How much: Usually equivalent to one week of your regular payment How to apply:

Call Centrelink: 132 717
Apply online at myGov.gov.au
Visit a Centrelink office

Evidence needed:

Statement of circumstances
Police report (if relevant)
Medical certificate (if relevant)
Proof of identity and residency

Rental Assistance Programs by State

NSW

Rentstart: Helps with rental bonds and advance rent

Bond loans: Up to $3,400
Advance rent: Up to $1,600
Eligibility: On government benefits or low income

Start Safely: For people leaving domestic violence

Immediate financial assistance
Rental bonds and advance rent
Household goods vouchers

VIC

Bond Loan Scheme: Interest-free loans for rental bonds

Maximum: $3,650 for rental bond
Repayment: Through Centrelink deductions
Apply: Housing.vic.gov.au

Private Rental Assistance Program:

Rent advance loans
Utility connection assistance
Support for people exiting homelessness

QLD

RentConnect: Rental assistance program

Bond loans: Up to $3,520
Advance rent assistance
Tenancy guarantee

Emergency Relief: For urgent rental assistance

Contact: Local community organisations
May cover: Urgent rent payments, utility bills

WA

Bond Assistance Loan Scheme: Government loans for rental bonds

Maximum: Up to $3,600
Eligibility: Low-income earners, benefits recipients

Private Rental Assistance: Support entering private rental

Rental subsidy
Tenancy support workers

SA

Private Rental Assistance Program:

Bond assistance grants (don't need to repay)
Rent advance payments
Private rental subsidies

TAS

Housing Connect: Rental support services

Bond assistance
Advance rent payment
Tenancy support

ACT

Rental Bond Loan Scheme: Interest-free loans

Up to 4 weeks rent for bond
Repaid through small weekly payments

NT

Private Rental Assistance: Support for entering private market

Bond assistance
Advance rent payment
Tenancy support

🏘️ PUBLIC HOUSING APPLICATIONS

How Public Housing Works

Priority Categories:

Emergency housing: Immediate need due to crisis
Priority housing: Urgent need (domestic violence, homelessness)
General housing: Standard waiting list

What You Get:

Subsidised rent (usually 25% of your income)
Maintenance included
Security of tenure
Support services if needed

Application Process by State

NSW Housing

Apply: Online at facs.nsw.gov.au or call 1800 422 322 Documents needed:

Application form
Identity documents
Income statements
Medical reports (if relevant)
Court orders (if family violence)

Expected waiting times:

Emergency: 1-3 months
Priority: 6 months - 2 years
General: 5-10 years (varies by area)

VIC Housing

Apply: housing.vic.gov.au or call 1800 269 687 Priority assessment for:

Homelessness
Family violence
Medical conditions requiring specific housing
Risk to safety

QLD Housing

Apply: qld.gov.au/housing or call 1800 747 311 Housing Needs Assessment considers:

Current housing situation
Income and assets
Special circumstances
Location preferences

WA Housing

Apply: communities.wa.gov.au/housing or call 1300 137 677 Priority housing for:

Homelessness or at risk
Domestic violence
Medical priorities
Aboriginal people in remote areas

SA Housing

Apply: sa.gov.au/housing or call 131 172 Categories:

Category 1: Emergency (immediate need)
Category 2: Priority
Category 3: General

TAS Housing

Apply: communities.tas.gov.au or call 1800 800 588 Priority for:

Homelessness
Domestic violence
Disability requiring modifications
Medical conditions

ACT Housing

Apply: communityservices.act.gov.au or call 6207 1111 Early housing for:

Homelessness
Family violence
Health and safety risks

NT Housing

Apply: nt.gov.au/property/public-housing or call 1800 645 783 Remote housing programs available for Aboriginal communities

🏠 ALTERNATIVE HOUSING OPTIONS

Community Housing

What it is: Not-for-profit housing providers
Benefits: Often better maintained than public housing, sometimes shorter waiting lists
How to apply: Through state housing authorities or direct to providers

Major Community Housing Providers:

Bridge Housing (NSW)
Haven; Home, Safe (VIC)
Churches of Christ Housing Services (QLD)
Foundation Housing (WA)
Unity Housing (SA)

Supported Accommodation

For people who need additional support:

Mental health support
Disability support
Drug and alcohol recovery
Domestic violence recovery
Youth transitioning to independence

Contact: Local community health centres or specialist services

Transitional Housing

Short to medium-term accommodation (3-24 months)

Bridge between crisis and permanent housing
Includes support services
Help finding long-term housing
Available through specialist homelessness services

Rooming Houses and Boarding Houses

Private accommodation with shared facilities

Often weekly rent payments
Shared kitchen/bathroom facilities
Some include meals
Usually furnished rooms

Finding Quality Rooming Houses:

Check with local council about regulations
Inspect facilities before moving in
Know your rights as a tenant
Ask about house rules and other residents

🚨 YOUTH HOUSING (UNDER 25)

Immediate Help for Homeless Youth

National Youth Homelessness Services: Available in all states LGBTI+ specific services: Available in major cities Leaving care services: For young people from foster care

Youth Housing Services by State

NSW

Link2home Youth: 1800 152 152 Specialist youth refuges in Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong Foyer programs: Combine housing with education/employment support

VIC

Melbourne Youth Support Service: 9614 3688 Centacare Family Services: Youth accommodation Berry Street: Specialist youth services

QLD

Youth Housing and Reintegration Service: 3405 3240 (Brisbane) BoysTown: 1800 188 142 YWCA Queensland: Youth accommodation services

WA

Anglicare WA Youth Services: 9263 2416 Youth Accommodation Association: 9227 2507

SA

Anglicare SA Youth: 8305 9200 The Salvation Army Youth Services: 8202 4444

TAS

Youth, Family & Community Connections: 6278 9000 Mission Australia Tasmania: 6230 6800

Youth-Specific Support

Education support: Help continuing school or TAFE
Employment services: Specialised youth job programs
Mental health support: Age-appropriate counselling
Life skills training: Budgeting, cooking, job skills
Legal support: Understanding rights and obligations

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 FAMILY ACCOMMODATION

Families with Children

Priority services for families:

Child safety is paramount
School stability considerations
Larger accommodation needs
Support for parents and children

What's Available for Families

Crisis accommodation:

Family units or apartments
Separate bedrooms for children
Kitchen facilities
Support services

Support Services:

Children's programs
Parenting support
School liaison
Childcare assistance
Family counselling

Child Protection Considerations

Your rights:

Children won't be removed just because you're homeless
Family preservation is the priority
Support services will help keep families together
Temporary separation only if immediate danger

Getting help:

Be honest about your situation
Accept support services offered
Demonstrate you're working towards stable housing
Prioritise children's safety and wellbeing

🛡️ WOMEN'S REFUGES AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Accessing Women's Refuges

1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 (24/7 confidential service) National referral service to local women's refuges

What refuges provide:

Safe, confidential accommodation
Support with legal issues
Children's programs
Help accessing services
Safety planning
Medium-term accommodation

Safety Considerations

Refuges locations are confidential
Strict security measures
Support workers trained in safety planning
Help with protection orders
Assistance with court matters

🧠 MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE HOUSING

Supported Accommodation for Mental Health

Who it's for:

People with mental health conditions
Those needing medication support
People recovering from mental health crises
Those unable to live independently

Services included:

Mental health support workers
Medication management
Life skills support
Social activities
Connection to health services

Substance Use Recovery Housing

Therapeutic communities:

Drug and alcohol treatment with accommodation
Structured programs
Peer support
Gradual reintegration to community

Sober living houses:

Alcohol and drug-free accommodation
Peer support environment
Work or study requirements
Random testing

📞 UTILITY SERVICES AND CONNECTIONS

Getting Utilities Connected

When you get new accommodation:

Electricity and gas connection
Water connection (if separate meter)
Internet and phone services
Council services (bins, etc.)

Financial Assistance for Utilities

Concession cards provide discounts:

Pensioner Concession Card
Health Care Card
Commonwealth Seniors Health Card

Energy hardship programs:

Payment plans
Bill assistance
Energy efficiency programs
Emergency financial relief

Utility Hardship Programs by State:

NSW: Energy Accounts Payment Assistance (EAPA)
VIC: Utility Relief Grant Scheme
QLD: Home Energy Emergency Assistance Scheme
WA: Hardship Efficiency Program
SA: Energy Payment Plan

📋 RIGHTS AND PROTECTIONS FOR TENANTS

Your Rights When Homeless or at Risk

Right to be treated with dignity and respect
Right to emergency accommodation assessment
Right to support services
Right to privacy and confidentiality
Right to complain about poor service

Rental Rights and Protections

Bond protection:

Bonds held by government authorities
Protected from unfair claims
Disputes resolved through tribunals

Eviction protections:

Proper notice required
Opportunity to remedy breaches
Tribunal hearings for disputes
Protection from illegal evictions

Tenancy Advice Services

Free tenancy advice:

NSW: Tenants' Union of NSW - 1800 251 101
VIC: Tenants Victoria - 9416 2577
QLD: Tenants Queensland - 1300 744 263
WA: Tenancy WA - 9221 0088
SA: Tenants Information and Advisory Service - 8223 2641
TAS: Tenants Union of Tasmania - 6223 2641
ACT: Tenants Union ACT - 6247 2011
NT: Tenants Advice Service NT - 8982 1472

🔄 PATHWAY TO STABLE HOUSING

Short-term Goals (1-3 months)

✅ Secure immediate safe accommodation
✅ Apply for all eligible financial assistance
✅ Get case management support
✅ Address immediate health/safety issues
✅ Connect children to school services

Medium-term Goals (3-12 months)

✅ Apply for public/community housing
✅ Work on barriers to housing (debt, references)
✅ Build rental history if in transitional housing
✅ Increase income through employment/benefits
✅ Develop life skills and independence

Long-term Goals (12+ months)

✅ Secure permanent, affordable housing
✅ Maintain stable employment/income
✅ Build emergency fund for housing security
✅ Develop support networks
✅ Help others experiencing homelessness

📱 ESSENTIAL APPS AND RESOURCES

Homelessness Apps

Ask Izzy: Service finder for homelessness, housing, food, health Street Swags: Information about homelessness services WIRE Women's Information: Women's services directory

General Support Apps

Emergency Plus: Helps emergency services locate you Centrelink Express Plus: Manage Centrelink payments MyGov: Access government services

Housing Search Apps

Domain: Rental property search realestate.com.au: Property listings Flatmate Finders: Share accommodation

⚠️ RED FLAGS AND SCAMS TO AVOID

Housing Scams

Warning signs:

Requests for money before viewing property
Overseas landlords who can't meet in person
Prices significantly below market rate
Pressure to pay immediately
Poor quality photos or no photos
Requests for unusual payment methods

Protecting Yourself

Always inspect properties in person
Verify landlord identity
Use legitimate real estate agents
Pay bonds through official channels
Get written agreements
Trust your instincts

Reporting Scams

Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC)

Scamwatch: scamwatch.gov.au
Phone: 1300 795 995

💪 SUPPORT FOR SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People

Specialist services available:

Aboriginal Housing Company (NSW)
Aboriginal Housing Services (each state)
Link-Up services for family connections
Cultural support workers

Contact: Local Aboriginal community organisations or state Aboriginal housing services

LGBTI+ Community

Specialist support services:

Twenty10 (NSW): 9594 9555
Minus18 (VIC): 9697 9277
Open Doors Youth Service (QLD): 3017 1777
Perth Inner City Youth Service (WA): 9228 1734

People with Disabilities

Supported accommodation options:

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) through NDIS
Supported Independent Living (SIL) services
Group homes with support staff
Accessible housing through public housing

Contact: NDIS on 1800 800 110 or local disability services

Older People (65+)

Specialist services:

Seniors housing (independent living units)
Supportive housing with care services
Housing for the Aged Action Group (HAAG): 9654 7389
Priority housing due to age and vulnerability

People Leaving Prison

Specialist support:

Pre-release housing planning
Transitional accommodation
Support with rental applications
Help with identification documents

Contact: Prison discharge planning services or specialist reintegration services

📞 EMERGENCY CONTACT LIST - SAVE THESE NUMBERS

National Emergency Services:

000: Police, Ambulance, Fire

Crisis Accommodation Hotlines:

NSW: 1800 152 152
VIC: 1800 825 955
QLD: 3407 8700
WA: 1800 996 622
SA: 131 172
TAS: 1800 800 588
ACT: 6207 1111
NT: 1800 645 783

Support Services:

Centrelink: 132 717
1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Salvation Army: 13 SALVOS

🔄 WHAT TO DO RIGHT NOW

If you're sleeping rough tonight:

✅ Call your state's crisis accommodation line immediately
✅ Go to nearest Salvation Army, police station, or hospital
✅ Keep yourself safe - well-lit public areas
✅ Protect important documents and phone
✅ Don't give up - help is available

If you're at risk of homelessness:

✅ Contact crisis services before you become homeless
✅ Apply for all eligible financial assistance
✅ Speak to current landlord about payment plans
✅ Contact family or friends who might help
✅ Get legal advice about your rights

If you're in crisis accommodation:

✅ Work with case manager on housing plan
✅ Apply for public/community housing
✅ Address barriers to rental housing
✅ Build your support network
✅ Focus on health, employment, or education goals

🏠 REMEMBER: HOUSING IS A HUMAN RIGHT

You deserve stable, safe housing regardless of your circumstances.

Help is available:

Homelessness is temporary - with support, you can find stable housing
Many successful people have experienced homelessness
Services exist specifically to help you
It's not your fault that you're in this situation
Recovery and stability are possible

Your life has value and there are people who want to help you succeed.

Last Updated: August 28, 2025
Service Information Last Verified: August 2025

This guide provides general information only. Services and eligibility can change. Contact local services for current information and personalised support.