Homelessness

Do you need housing or homelessness assistance? A number of services in Darebin offer assistance to people in need of housing and homelessness support.

Council supports people seeking housing and homelessness assistance by providing information and referral to local support agencies. 

After hours emergency response to homelessness

We do not provide a crisis emergency response service for those experiencing homelessness in Darebin.

Crisis contact service is a statewide housing and homelessness service. Available 5pm—7pm Monday to Friday and 24 hours on weekends.

Phone: 1800 627 727

Homelessness Support Services

Darebin Assertive Community Outreach Program (DACO)

Merri Outreach Support Service (MOSS) provide an assertive outreach program to people sleeping rough in Darebin. The DACO program aims to connect rough sleepers to support services. DACO consists of specialist outreach workers who can visit and respond to rough sleepers and connect them to services they need, including housing and health care.

A program referral can be made by email with the details of the location of the rough sleeper and other relevant information (such as concerns for their health or welfare). Please note, this is not an emergency response.

Phone: 03 8470 8888
Email: assertiveoutreach@darebin.vic.gov.au

Haven Home Safe

Haven Home Safe is the local access point for people who are experiencing homelessness in Darebin. They provide emergency housing and support information, assessments, advocacy, referrals to crisis accommodation or specialist support services, and limited financial assistance to establish or maintain rental tenancies.

Phone: 03 9479 0700
Address: 52-56 Mary Street Preston.
Hours open: 10am—4pm Monday to Friday.

Darebin's Community Shower Access Program

People experiencing homelessness and rough sleeping can access the Community Shower Access Program, which provides free shower and locker access at three locations in Darebin:

  • Reservoir Leisure Centre, Monday to Sunday
  • Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre, Monday to Sunday
  • Narrandjeri Stadium, Monday to Friday

Please note people interested in accessing the program will be assessed for eligibility and suitability.

For more information, please email csap@darebin.vic.gov.au

Inquiry into Homelessness in Victoria

In 2020, the Victorian Legislative Council at the undertook an inquiry into the state of homelessness in Victoria. The Inquiry focused on:

  • an independent analysis of the changing scale and nature of homelessness across Victoria
  • investigating the many social, economic and policy factors that impact on homelessness
  • identifying policies and practices from all levels of government that have a bearing on delivering services to the homeless

Darebin made a submission to the inquiry that focused on opportunities that exist to address homelessness and housing. You can view our submission(PDF, 231KB) and the read the report made to Parliament, with 51 recommendations to the Victoria Government.

More information

Community Inclusion
Phone: 03 8470 8888
Email: community.wellbeing@darebin.vic.gov.au

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