As part of National Homelessness Week (7 - 13 August), we’ll be sharing stories and resources to help spread awareness about the reality of homelessness. Together, we can ensure every Australian has access to a safe and secure home, and take active steps to end homelessness in Australia.

Home is more than four walls and a roof. Home is a place where people can feel safe and secure. Adequate housing is essential for survival and critical to a person’s wellbeing. Access to safe and secure housing is a basic human right but unfortunately, there are over 122,000 people experiencing homelessness on any given night in Australia. Only 9% of these people are rough sleeping, majority are living in temporary dwellings such as refuges, crisis accommodations or motels1.

A safe home is powerful and can transform lives. It allows people to live with dignity, grow their families and gain independence. Without a safe place to call home, people can struggle to maintain employment, access education or find help through challenging times.

National Homelessness Week (7-13 August) raises awareness of homelessness in Australia here are seven ways you can get involved this year.

Seven ways to get involved during National Homelessness Week

1. Stay informed

Did you know that domestic and family violence is the leading cause of homelessness in Australia? Learn about the causes, effects and extent of homelessness in our communities to be equipped to tackle homelessness.

Get the facts

2. Speak up and raise awareness

Your voice matters. Spread your knowledge to the people around you. You can share Mission Australia’s content on your social media channels, create a fundraiser or simply start a conversation with your network.

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3. Make a donation

Every donation counts. You can make a tangible difference by helping our critical services help vulnerable people access the support they need to find a safe home.

A one-off contribution or regular donation can create lasting change. Here are some ways you can consider giving:

4. Get creative and organise a fundraising event

Do you enjoy baking or love the idea of a challenge? From running a marathon to organising a bake sale or asking mates to make a donation rather than a birthday gift, are just some ways you can get creative and fundraise to end homelessness in Australia.

Organise your own fundraising event

5. Register for the Steps For Safe Homes fundraising event 

Walk 122,000 steps during National Homelessness Week on 6-13 August and you’ll raise vital funds for people facing homelessness. You can walk fast or slow. Solo or in a group. And however you do it, you’ll change lives.

Sign up now

6. Write to your local council and MPs

With social housing waitlists at their max there are not enough safe, secure homes in Australia. That shouldn’t be the case in a nation like ours. Advocate for more social and affordable housing by sending a letter to your local council, State and Federal MPs.

7. Volunteer

Volunteering can be a practical way to share your time and resources to help people in need.

Volunteers from local community groups, churches and corporate partners play a vital role in helping us achieve our goal of ending homelessness and strengthening communities around the country.

Learn more about volunteering

 1 ABS (2021) Census of Population and Housing: Estimating Homelessness

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Our founding purpose - 'Inspired by Jesus Christ, Mission Australia exists to meet human need and to spread the knowledge of the love of God'