Emergency Housing in Melbourne: Crisis Services and Contacts
If you're experiencing homelessness or housing crisis in Melbourne, these services provide immediate support:
24/7 Statewide Entry Points
- Homelessness Entry Points (Opening Doors): 1800 825 955 (free, 24/7) — triages to nearest crisis accommodation
- Safe Steps (Family Violence): 1800 015 188 (24/7) — women/children fleeing violence
- Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 (24/7) — under 25
- Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7) — crisis support, can connect to housing
Major Providers (Melbourne Metro)
| Service | Focus | Contact | Key Programs |
|---|
| Launch Housing | Single adults, families | 1800 825 955 | Crisis accommodation, HEAL program, private rental access |
| VincentCare | Men, women, families | (03) 9304 0100 | Ozanam House (crisis), Community Hub, Homefront (veterans) |
| Salvation Army | All demographics | 1300 371 288 | Doorways (assessment), crisis beds, transitional housing |
| Uniting (Vic.Tas) | Youth, families, CALD | (03) 9192 8100 | Youth refuges, family crisis, asylum seeker housing |
| Jesuit Social Services | Justice-involved, youth | (03) 9421 7600 | Perry House, Next Steps, Artful Dodgers |
| Women's Housing Ltd | Women-led households | (03) 9412 6868 | Crisis, transitional, long-term affordable |
| Aboriginal Housing Victoria | Aboriginal families | (03) 9403 4700 | Cultural safety, Elders support |
Specialized Services
- Youth (15–25): Frontyard (Melbourne CBD), Hope Street (West), Youth Projects (North)
- LGBTIQ+: Thorne Harbour Health, Zoe Belle Gender Collective
- Asylum Seekers: ASRC, Red Cross, Brotherhood of St Laurence
- Exiting Prison: VACRO, Corrections Victoria ReConnect
- Rough Sleepers: Street Teams (City of Melbourne, Port Phillip, Yarra)
Financial Help
- Crisis Payment (Centrelink): 132 850 — for eligible income support recipients
- Rent Assistance: Automatic with Centrelink payments
- Bond Loans: DHHS (Director of Housing) — interest-free
- Utility Relief Grant: For disconnection risk
Immediate Action
- Call 1800 825 955 NOW (24/7)
- Go to nearest Centrelink or Orange Door (family violence)
- Present at hospital ED if unsafe tonight — social worker will connect
You have rights. Help exists. Make the call.
Wanderlust World