Homelessness Health

The Homelessness Health Program aims to minimise the health problems of people subject to homelessness and contribute to the prevention and reduction of homelessness through collaboration with partners to facilitate access to appropriate supports.

Homelessness is an alarming issue faced by many individuals in our community. Although we lack accurate figures, there were around 100,000 people across Australia identified as experiencing homelessness on Census night in 2001. We know that overall, homelessness has increased over the past 30 years, with increasing numbers of women, young people and families affected. As homelessness can often be hidden within our community, we can safely presume that the number of people experiencing homelessness is greater than reported.

People subject to homelessness are a diverse group. Their homelessness issues and health issues cannot be addressed in isolation of each other. It is important that health services are responsive to their holistic needs. We recognise that South Eastern Sydney and Illawarra Health alone cannot solve all the issues that concern people subject to homelessness, or the complex causes and consequences of their homelessness. Therefore, partnerships and collaboration are common themes when we talk about homelessness health issues. This means that our response is often determined following discussions with various other service providers involved with homelessness.

Partners we work with include people who have experienced homelessness, local doctors, Aboriginal Medical Services, Non Government Organisations (including St Vincent de Paul Society, Mission Australia, the Salvation Army, Wesley Mission and Haymarket Foundation); and other Government organisations and local councils (including Department of Housing, Department of Community Services, NSW Police and City of Sydney Council).

The former South Eastern Sydney Area Health Service developed its first Homelessness Health Position Statement in 2000 and has initiated and participated in an increasing range of homelessness health activities since this time. A formal consultation was undertaken with service providers and people who were experiencing homelessness in 2001 and 2002. This assisted the development of the Homelessness Health Strategic Plan 2004-2009. It is envisaged that the implementation of this plan will result in improved health outcomes for people subject to homelessness by increasing the capacity of the Area Health Service to respond effectively and consistently to their identified health needs.

For additional information contact Adrienne Lucey, Area Coordinator, Homelessness Health on
(02) 9382 9346.

Homelessness Health

Reports