Homelessness is about more than a lack of housing, homelessness can have a profound effect on a person’s physical and mental health. Homelessness increases the risk of developing a range of health problems, while chronic ill health and disability can increase the chances of a housing crisis.
Through collaboration with other researchers, our research provides evidence of a clear link between precarious housing and poor health. Our research also highlights the issues faced by people experiencing homelessness who also have a disability and describes the added vulnerabilities they face.
Our submission to the Mental Health Royal Commission, which includes research with our clients, may also be of interest.
The objective of this study was to determine whether a ‘housing first’ permanent supported accommodation was effective in improving housing stability, continuity of care and reducing mental health admissions for persons experiencing chronic homelessness with psychosis.
Persons with a disability are vulnerable both to, and within, homelessness. While attention has been given to the relationship between poor mental health and homelessness, persons with other types of disability – physical, sensory, intellectual – are also at risk. The goal of this research was to understand the homelessness risks confronting persons with a disability and how best to meet their needs. This project was a collaboration between The University of Adelaide, Hanover Welfare Services, Melbourne City Mission and the University of Melbourne.
This exploratory study asked two broad questions about housing and health. It focuses on poor health and how it lead to precarious housing. And looks how precarious housing (including unaffordability, unsuitability and insecurity of tenure) affects people’s health. Review the full report.
This is a summary of the key findings from a research project investigating the relationship between poor health and precarious housing (including unaffordability, unsuitability and insecurity of tenure). The project was a collaboration between Hanover Welfare Services, the University of Melbourne, University of Adelaide, Melbourne City Mission and AHURI.
The Homeless and Drug Dependency Trial was a three year trial which used major crisis accommodation services as strategic sites for engaging people experience homelessness with substance use issues, with the aim of reducing their drug dependence, minimising the harm they do to themselves and building pathways out of homelessness and drug addiction toward secure accommodation and stable lifestyles. The HDDT was a partnership between Hanover Welfare Services, The Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul Aged Care and Community Services and the Victorian Department of Human Services. The evaluation was conducted by Hanover Welfare Services. This report is the final report from the outcome evaluation.
The Homeless and Drug Dependency Trial was a three year trial which used major crisis accommodation services as strategic sites for engaging people experience homelessness with substance use issues, with the aim of reducing their drug dependence, minimising the harm they do to themselves and building pathways out of homelessness and drug addiction toward secure accommodation and stable lifestyles. The HDDT was a partnership between Hanover Welfare Services, The Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul Aged Care and Community Services and the Victorian Department of Human Services. The evaluation was conducted by Hanover Welfare Services. This report is the final report from the process evaluation.
