People experience homelessness when they do not have accommodation that is safe, secure and appropriate. Homelessness can occur due to a variety of complex issues including loss of employment, family breakdown, mental health and family violence.
The City of Stonnington is working towards Stonnington Zero - a collaborative partnership that brings organisations and the community together to identify opportunities to create new housing and reduce rough sleeping.
Stonnington Zero is a collaborative partnership that brings organisations and the community together to identify opportunities to create new housing and reduce rough sleeping.
The partnership between Council, Launch Housing: Melbourne Zero, Alfred Health, Star Health, Housing First, Prahran Malvern Community Housing and Victoria Police commenced in December 2021.
The project is based on a ‘functional zero’ approach. Functional zero is reached when the number of people entering and experiencing homelessness is less than available housing and support services.
Once achieved, Functional Zero will be sustained and any future experiences of rough sleeping homelessness in Stonnington will be brief, rare, and non-reoccurring.
Stonnington Zero Statement of Commitment (extract)
Stonnington Zero partner agencies believe that housing is a human right. We know that homelessness and especially rough sleeping homelessness has devastating consequences on the health and wellbeing of those who experience it.
Homelessness is a challenge that no single program or organisation can solve on its own. As a community, we unite in agreement that homelessness is an issue that can only be solved by working together in new ways with open minds and treating people with dignity and respect. As members of this community, we will contribute to creating an inclusive and supportive society that understands homelessness affects us all and can happen to anyone.
Stonnington Zero partners share a vision to end homelessness, hold common understandings of the causes and complexities of homelessness and commit to a joint approach to reducing rough sleeping through agreed actions.
Our approach is to:
- Provide information to people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness about where they can access housing and support,
- Ensure people requiring assistance are referred to the appropriate service providers as soon as possible,
- Monitor the extent of homelessness in Stonnington, and
- Enhance community understanding about the causes of homelessness and local support service
Council does not have the power to move people on. People who are homeless have a right to be in public spaces and will be treated as any other member of the public.
Council will respond to a person who is, or appears homeless if:
- They request assistance,
- They appear distressed or in need of assistance,
- They are sheltering in circumstances that threaten the health and safety of themselves and/or others (e.g. in derelict buildings),
- Their behaviour threatens their own safety or the safety of others,
- Their behaviour is likely to result in damage to property or to the environment,
- Their safety is threatened by others, and
- They appear to be under the age of 18.
Concerns regarding homelessness can be reported to Council by phone 03 8290 1333 or via a service request online.
Reports of homelessness will be investigated by Council’s Local Laws Officers who will liaise with local police and make a referral to the Launch Housing and Star Health outreach services. These services will visit the location and offer a variety of support including emergency housing.
If the person is unwell or at risk of harming themselves or others please call 000.