Hubs to support more Melburnians experiencing homelessness

The City of Melbourne is boosting its support for Melburnians experiencing homelessness, partnering with the Salvation Army to offer meals and outreach services at a night-time café in the CBD.   

The renewed City East Hub, based at the Salvation Army’s Project 614 site at 69 Bourke St, will provide some of Melbourne’s most vulnerable people with greater access to essential services.  

The service will introduce twilight meals and support seven days a week throughout January, as well as further support including:    

• After hours outreach, five days a week   
• Housing and homelessness advice
• Showers, lockers and information  

The council said the hub partnership would build on existing services at Project 614, “expanding its offering to reach even more people in need”.   

It’s part of the Homelessness Support Hub pilot program, which will see the council partner with service providers to offer even more assistance to those sleeping rough across the city. 

The City of Melbourne is also working with the Living Room to establish storage and locker services at their Hosier Lane Service, which will allow people experiencing homelessness to store their personal belongings safely and access a wide range of support.   

Lord Mayor Sally Capp said that the Homelessness Support Hub pilot program built on the council’s work towards reducing homelessness in the city.

“We’re proud to be partnering with the Salvos to ensure the most vulnerable members of our community get the support and care they deserve," Cr Capp said. 

“The support hub pilot program is part of Homes Melbourne’s work to create new pathways out of homelessness and reach even more people in need.”     

As Australia’s most liveable city, we need to make sure there is accessible space for everyone in Melbourne – including our key workers, lower income families and those experiencing and at-risk of homelessness.

The Salvation Army’s commanding officer Brendan Nottle said, “This launch today highlights the commitment of The Salvation Army and City of Melbourne to support people experiencing homelessness in Melbourne.” 

“It’s important because it puts focus on the partnership between the two organisations to provide practical support to connect people to pathways out of homelessness.”  

“This is a clear and compassionate response from City of Melbourne to partner with The Salvation Army that demonstrates inclusion and that they care for the most vulnerable members of our community.”

Among other key council initiatives is the Make Room project – a council-owned building at 602 Little Bourke St which is being transformed into secure, safe, supported accommodation and support services for people experiencing homelessness.      

The council’s health, wellbeing and belonging portfolio lead Cr Dr Olivia Ball said the vital service provided by both the hubs and the Make Room project were all aimed at addressing the causes of homelessness.

“Our objective is not to support people to remain homeless, however, but to provide housing, which is why Make Room and our affordable housing targets are central to Homes Melbourne. Only when people are housed securely can they begin to address the causes of homelessness,” Cr Dr Ball said.