This week, we are supporting Homelessness Week 2026, a national campaign that raises awareness of homelessness and calls for action to ensure everyone has access to a safe and secure home.
Running from 3 to 9 August, this year’s theme, ‘Homelessness Action Now’, highlights the urgent need to address Australia’s growing housing and homelessness crisis.
Homelessness can affect anyone. It includes not only people sleeping rough, but also those living in overcrowded housing, staying temporarily with family or friends, or living in insecure accommodation. In Australia, more than 122,000 people were experiencing homelessness on Census night in 2021, a figure that homelessness organisations believe has increased as housing affordability pressures continue to rise.
Housing crisis
The current housing crisis is making it harder for many people to find and maintain secure housing. Homelessness Australia says a shortage of affordable rental homes, combined with gaps in support services such as mental health, disability and family violence supports, is contributing to rising homelessness across the country.
While the challenges are significant, evidence shows that homelessness can be reduced through increased investment in social and affordable housing, early intervention programs, and access to the support services people need to maintain stable housing.
Housing stress in Bayside
While homelessness is a national issue, its impacts are increasingly being felt in Bayside.
Over 2,900 households in Bayside are experiencing housing stress, and over 1,000 households requiring access to affordable housing. Council’s dedicated Community Assessment Team provides outreach services, advocacy, and practical support to people sleeping rough or at risk of homelessness.
We also have strong working partnerships with support agencies such as BayCISS, Monash Health, Launch Housing, Victoria Police and Community Connections to ensure that no one seeking assistance struggles alone.
Our website offers a comprehensive directory of local community services to support residents, including ‘Ask Izzy’ which provides free and anonymous aid with housing, meals, healthcare and more. BayCISS in Hampton and Launch Housing in Cheltenham – Victoria’s largest housing and homeless support provider – also offer help to those in need.
How you can support Homelessness Week
There are many ways you can support Homelessness week.
Volunteering
Sometimes volunteering can be more effective than donating money. Here are a few volunteer opportunities with organisations supporting homelessness:
Join the conversation on social media
Help amplify the messages of Homelessness Week and share your stories, thoughts and concerns about homelessness on social media using the hashtag #HW2026.
Read a book or watch a movie
Bayside Libraries have put together a list of fiction and non-fiction books and eMovies for you to utilise.
Homelessness Week Reading List
Throughout Homelessness Week, communities across Australia will come together to raise awareness, challenge misconceptions and advocate for lasting solutions. Everyone deserves a safe place to call home.
If you or someone you know is experiencing housing insecurity or homelessness, support is available through local and statewide homelessness services. Early assistance can help people maintain housing and access the support they need.
Visit Homelessness Australia for more on Homelessness Week
