Everybody deserves a place to call home

Red Cross believes that everyone deserves a home that is safe, secure and affordable.

In an average year, Red Cross helps 2,180 people to find housing, supports 1,360 people at risk of becoming homeless, and provides 43,400 meals to people experiencing hardship.

How we help

Programs for people who are currently homeless
We help people to find suitable and safe shelter through caseworkers. Most of these programs target specific groups, including older people, young people, people experiencing mental health issues and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Help to maintain housing and avoid homelessness
We support people who are at risk of losing their rental property by negotiating with landlords, helping people to get their tenancy and rent payments back on track or finding more suitable accommodation. We also helped clients to manage the underlying issues which contribute to their housing problems, including income management, misuse of alcohol or other drugs, or with problems like compulsive hoarding.

Building life skills and community connection
Supporting people who have been homeless to develop community connection and friendship through one-on-one matching with a volunteer; providing education and training support, and teaching first aid skills. These new connections and skills make a big difference, helping people move out of cycles of homelessness.

Meals and support for people on low incomes or experiencing housing problems.
Providing a reliable and regular meal for people who may otherwise go without - many of them homeless. While our volunteers and staff are serving meals, we also talk with people about other services and information that can help them to find stable accommodation and get life back on track.

Red Cross programs and services

Supporting people to maintain their housing and avoid homelessness

Homestay
Supporting people to maintain their current accommodation or to access more sustainable accommodation. Currently provided in Townsville and Toowoomba.

Private Tenancy Support
Supporting people at risk of losing their private rental housing. Contact our WA team.

Helping older people with housing
The Assistance with Care and Housing program can support you to access the services you need to improve your living situation. We can offer support with developing a plan, organising one-off clean ups, reviewing care plans and linking you to specialist support services. We are also able to support you in locating and applying for housing. The service is available to older people or prematurely aged people who are 50 years and over (or 45 years and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) who are on a low income, at risk of homelessness or who are living with hoarding and squalor. Referrals for the service are through My Aged Care on 1800 200 422. Currently provided in WA.

Supporting people experiencing homelessness

Street to Home
Supporting people who are homeless to live safely and develop pathways out of homelessness. Working primarily with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Currently provided in Townsville, Queensland.

Youth Homelessness and Reintegration Service
Developing skills, social connections and employment opportunities for young people at risk of or experiencing homelessness. Currently provided in Fraser Coast and Toowoomba, Queensland.

Homelessness Service Hub
Providing a range of information, support, housing and specialist services to assist people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The Hub is a single entry point to find housing and support in Townsville.

Building people's life skills and community networks

Streetwise first aid
Providing national certification in first aid to people with low literacy, limited income or poor experiences with the education system, targeting people who have experienced homelessness. Currently provided Australia-wide. Become a host or funding body.

Providing information, resources and a meal

Night Café
Information, support, free hot meals, showers, hygiene products and first aid for young people in a safe space away from the streets. Currently provided in Queensland - contact our QLD team.

Roadhouse Services
A friendly space for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness to enjoy a free meal and receive support, including referral to other services, from Saturday to Thursday between 4:30 – 5:30pm. Currently provided in Canberra – contact our ACT team