Research Hub

Research has been an integral part of Launch Housing’s work since the inception of the former Hanover Welfare Services in 1963.

In 1991, the organisation established a dedicated research unit to investigate the issues of homelessness and enable the organisation to advocate more strongly on behalf of people experiencing homelessness.

The formidable body of research evidence generated since that time, independently and in partnership with universities, government and community sector, has been characterised by seminal pieces of work on families and children, employment, education and training, alcohol and drug use, human rights and citizenship, community perceptions and attitudes, and structural drivers of homelessness.

Submissions

We are Victoria’s strongest advocates for affordable housing.

Australian Homelessness Monitor

Launch Housing has commissioned the Australian Homelessness Monitor, for the first-of-its-kind authoritative insight into the current state of homelessness in Australia.

Families, Youth and Aging

More than 116,000 people experience homelessness on any given night and many of these people have children. Our research into families and homelessness has shown that a lack of affordable housing and low income support are two main drivers of family homelessness in Australia.

Health, Housing and Disability

Homelessness is about more than a lack of housing, homelessness can have a profound effect on a person’s physical and mental health.

Geography and Structural Drivers

The risk and experience of homelessness is shaped by the places in which people live and gravitate to, either by choice or necessity. Homelessness is becoming more spatially concentrated over time, and is shaped by broader structural factors that serve to deepen inequality across Australian cities and regions.

Rough Sleeping

Rough sleeping is a potent reminder of policy failure and highlights the ongoing urgent need to increase the stock of permanent, safe and affordable housing for all our vulnerable citizens.

Women

Census figures generally show more males than females experiencing homelessness; however, figures from specialist homelessness services (SHS) highlight more females than males receiving assistance.

Perceptions and Attitudes

Often when thinking about homelessness, the stereotype image that comes to mind is that of someone sleeping rough.

LGBTIQ

National and international evidence indicates that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer (LGBTIQ) people are over-represented among those experiencing homelessness.

Employment and Education

Homelessness turns people’s lives upside down, creating great instability, stress and insecurity for individuals and families.