Homelessness Week call for action

Demand on Encircle’s Homeless Outreach Access Program (HOAP) has more than doubled in the past year.

During Homelessness Week from August 4-10, the organisation is calling for action in one key area – immediate housing availability.

Encircle CEO Barb Power OAM says homelessness is a growing crisis, which isn’t going away, and solutions need to be found quickly.

“More housing needs to be made available now, including dedicated spaces for individuals experiencing homelessness where they can access the services, support and stability needed to rebuild their lives,” Barb says.

“Improved access to housing can positively impact mental health, quality of life and community wellbeing. We must continue advocating for change.”

HOAP staff provide support to people who are homeless, answering calls from the Homeless Hotline, while also supporting families with emergency housing response, which provides 72-hour relief accommodation.

Before 2024, this service was only available for singles and couples.

“HOAP began as a single-worker response during the COVID-19 pandemic to support individuals experiencing homelessness. Recognising the ongoing and growing need post-lockdown, the program was continued and expanded,” Barb explains.

“What started as a weekday, 8am-4pm service is now a 24/7 operation. Today, HOAP has a team of 11 dedicated staff, including three team members supporting our temporary refuge accommodation.

“We are currently recruiting an additional three brief intervention workers to meet increasing demand.”

During the past five years, HOAP has supported more than 1668 individuals and helped 385 family units secure some form of accommodation.

“We offer brief intervention support to help people maintain dignity and comfort during difficult times. This includes distributing essential items such as sleeping bags, blankets, clothing, toiletries and food,” Barb explains.

“We also assist with removing practical barriers to housing, such as helping clients obtain identification and mobile phones to stay connected with potential landlords and services.

“Our neighbourhood centres provide access to hot meals, tea and coffee, laundry services and shower facilities - ensuring people have a safe and welcoming space while they seek longer-term solutions.”

Barb says the need for intervention and support is increasing at an alarming rate.

• 2020–2021 & 2021–2022: 184 individuals supported

• 2022–2023: 164 individuals supported

• 2023–2024: 527 family units supported

• 2024–2025: 1155 family units supported (to date)

She says the sharp increase is due to contributing factors including natural disasters displacing individuals and families; the rising cost of living and unaffordable rent; a significant increase in domestic and family violence; older individuals being priced out of the housing market; and rapid population growth in the region, leading to housing demand far exceeding supply.

The community can help by donating essential items or funds; raising awareness about the changing face of homelessness; and understanding homelessness now affects older adults, families, youth and even working individuals who cannot secure rental accommodation due to rising costs.

“Support doesn’t always have to be financial - conversations, advocacy and compassion go a long way,” Barb says.

To find out more, visit the website.