Homelessness in Merri-bek

Supporting people who are homeless in Merri-bek

Homelessness can impact anyone at any stage of their life. Merri-bek City Council acknowledges the dignity and human rights of individuals facing homelessness, recognising that homelessness, including people who are sleeping rough, is often the result of systemic issues.

Secure housing is a fundamental human right and a necessity, crucial for individuals and families to contribute positively to society and maintain their health and well-being.

What is Council doing?

  • Merri-bek City Council works to increase access to affordable housing through policy, advocacy, and investment. The Affordable Housing Action Plan has four focus areas: 

    • Facilitating the supply of affordable housing in new developments 
    • Partnership to develop affordable housing, particularly on council land. 
    • Research and advocacy for increased investment.  
    • Supporting service coordination, information provision and advocacy for people who are experiencing, or at risk of homelessness.  
      Learn about Council's Advocacy work on affordable housing on the Advocacy Priorites page.

  • Supporting people in need of suitable homes who are sleeping rough 

    • Council funds the Merri Assertive Community Outreach Program (MACO) to assist people in need of a suitable home and sleeping rough. MACO connects them to essential services and housing. Many face challenges like unstable housing and a lack of coordinated outreach, which makes support hard to access.

      MACO engages persistently, builds trust, and learns about each person’s unique needs. They provide tailored services to help people transition into suitable homes.        
    • Providing free facility access and personal care packs to people who are experiencing homelessness at Merri-bek Leisure Centres.  
    • Merri-bek Zero aims to achieve ‘Functional Zero’ homelessness, where fewer people are sleeping rough than are being moved into long-term housing. 

  • Merri-bek City Council is guided by a 10-year Homelessness Strategy (PDF 413KB)  and a 4-year Action Plan, which together provide a long-term framework for coordinated, evidence-informed responses to homelessness.

    These plans reflect Council’s commitment to a human rights-based and health equity approach, focusing on systemic prevention, early intervention, and improved outcomes for individuals and families at risk.

    Council collaborates with community services, residents, and sector partners to ensure that all people in Merri-bek have access to safe and secure housing. Through advocacy, education, capacity building, and cross-sector partnerships, we work towards a future where homelessness is rare, brief, and non-recurring.

Where can I find help? 

If you are experiencing homelessness, a housing crisis or need advice about your housing situation, several services can help you.   

How can you help?

We know that in Merri-bek, we are a caring community, that is quick to come together and look after each other in times of crisis.  There is practical assistance available like safe housing and tailored support services provided without judgement or stigma.  

Notify us of a rough sleeper in Merri-bek

  • If you are concerned about someone sleeping rough in Merri-bek, please use this online tool to notify us. We will review your notification and then inform MACO to provide the right support.  
  • Please note that finding suitable support for people sleeping rough can take time. Building trust and relationships is a slow process, and there is a long waitlist and a lack of housing.  
  • If you see the person again, you are welcome to re-notify us. However, due to privacy reasons, we are unable to update you.  
  • If there is a circumstance where a person appears distressed, in need of physical help, in need of mental health help, appears to be a danger to themselves or others, please call 000 for emergency services.

Submit form

Are there any indicators of someone sleeping rough? For example, person/s sighted, person belongings present e.g. clothing, sleeping materials present e.g. mattress, sleeping bag, vehicle etc. 

Are there any indicators of someone sleeping rough? For example, person/s sighted, person belongings present e.g. clothing, sleeping materials present e.g. mattress, sleeping bag, vehicle etc.Â