Recent data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [1] showed that there were over 1,600 people experiencing homelessness in Geelong throughout 2023-2024. Similarly, 2021 Census data indicates that the number of people experiencing homelessness has doubled from 2016 to 2021 [2] and is expected to have grown since then.
“This data and information from our involvement with local community organisations highlight the pressing issue of homelessness in our community”, said Meg Price, Head of Social Impact at the Give Where You Live Foundation. “As a Foundation committed to creating a fairer, more equitable Geelong, homelessness is an area we focus on to create change, including through undertaking and sharing local research to inform services and supports in our community.”
As the Give Where You Live Foundation’s Education Partner, collaborating with Deakin University was a natural fit to create The Home Truths: Local Insights in Homelessness Report. The Report will map the details of Geelong’s homelessness supports, identify gaps and blocks, and highlight ways to improve services and supports that are available.
The research will apply HOME’s relational, systems-thinking, multi-disciplinary approach to homelessness to produce a report informing both policymakers, service providers and their clients. To that end, a mixed-methods approach including desk research and systems analysis (STICKE workshops) will be adopted.
A Research Advisory Group has been established to provide critical oversight and advice to the researchers at key stages within the research. The Advisory Group is chaired by Dr David Giles (Deakin University) and is comprised of representatives from State and local government as well as local organisations including Department of Justice and Community Safety; City of Greater Geelong; Barwon South West Homelessness Network; the Power In You Project; the Salvation Army; and Towards Home Plus, Neami National.
Making positive change for people experiencing homelessness in Geelong is a priority for many local organisations and foundations. The Home Truths: Local Insights in Homelessness Report has been jointly funded by the Anthony Costa Foundation, City of Greater Geelong, Geelong Community Foundation, Geelong Connected Communities and Give Where You Live Foundation.
“The collaboration and shared commitment to understanding and addressing homelessness in our community is invaluable” Meg Price said.
The outcomes of the research are expected to be launched to coincide with Homelessness Week in August to help raise awareness of the impact of homelessness, and the solutions needed to end homelessness.
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Sources:
[1] Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2024). Specialist homelessness services 2023–24 data tables. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/homelessness-services/shs-2023-24-data-tables
[2] ABS Census Data cited in email communication from CoGG Community Life department, March 2023