Launch Housing

What a feast! The team at OzHarvest Port Melbourne recently delivered 100 delicious, pre-cooked meals to our Bellfield community for everyone to enjoy. Our residents were treated to mouthwatering empanadas with mango salsa, shepherd's pie, and sticky date pudding. Tessa Densley, our Tenancy Manager at Bellfield, delivered the meals to many of our residents, even surprising some with a meal and a warm welcome home at the end of their day. One resident shared with Tessa, 'I wasn’t even going to get out of bed today, but when you called saying you were coming in with a surprise, it was what I needed to get through my day. Seeing your smiling face and some incredible meals turned my hardest day into the greatest. THANK YOU." We're so grateful to OzHarvest for your kindness which has filled both the plates and hearts of everyone at Bellfield. Thank you! 💜

This month, We Are Mobilise launched their brand new event, Nedd's Uncomfortable Challenge. Founded in 2016, We Are Mobilise share the same goal as us, to end homelessness. Over the past year, they have supported our Education First Youth Foyer students through their Kickstarter Program, providing the students with bond payments and rental assistance as they take their next step after The Foyers. On October 3rd, Nedd's Uncomfortable Challenge began with ultra marathon runner Nedd Brockmann starting his challenge of running 1,000 miles around Sydney Olympic Park. Come rain, wind, or shine, Nedd Brockman is facing his uncomfortable challenge, and We Are Mobilise are calling on everyone to join Nedd from the 20th October with an uncomfortable challenge of your own! You can find out more about the challenge below. Raising over $1.7million so far, we want to say a huge congratulations to our friends at We Are Mobilise! 🌟

We're proud of our partnership with REA Group and their incredible commitment to ending homelessness. 💜 Thank you to Gemma and Michael March for sharing your experiences and discussing with REA Group the impossible challenges people are facing during this housing crisis. Together we can end homelessness.

We’re feeling grateful 💜 To mark World Homelessness Day and World Mental Health Day, we joined EnergyAustralia  at their HQ to highlight these two deeply interconnected issues. Mental health challenges are both a leading cause, and consequence, of homelessness. During the session, we reflected on how having a safe place to call home is essential for our mental health and wellbeing, and how the need for housing plus support is greater than ever. We also discussed how empathy and kindness can make a big difference. To round out the morning, EnergyAustralia staff generously donated wellness and self-care items, which were packed into gift bags for the women currently staying in our Launch Housing East St Kilda crisis accommodation. Thank you for your kindness, EnergyAustralia.

Meet Zara, a Year 9 student on a mission to make a difference! Zara's walking 122,494 steps—one for every person experiencing homelessness in Australia—while raising funds for Launch Housing. Zara has nearly completed half her steps, walking across Melbourne through gardens, streets, and along the beach. She’s been joined by her dog, friends, and family, using this time to talk about homelessness and share what she’s learning. Recently, Zara visited Launch Housing HQ, and we took a walk around Collingwood, chatting about her favourite footy team, her upcoming birthday, and the valuable insights she’s gained on her journey. We even stopped by STREAT for a hot chocolate. We’re incredibly grateful for Zara’s dedication, especially during her school holidays. The world needs more people like Zara! ✨ Learn more, and show your support 👇https://lnkd.in/gwe3hiWx

Have you seen our street posters and digital ads around Melbourne?  At Launch Housing, we believe everyone deserves a safe night's sleep.   But with a lack of social housing, an increasingly unaffordable rental market, compounded by experiences of trauma, family violence and chronic health issues, thousands of people are experiencing homelessness across Victoria every night.    🏠 30,660 Victorians were estimated to be homeless on the last Census 🏠 25% of Victorians experiencing homelessness are aged between 12-24 years old 🏠 Over 58,000 Victorian households are on a waiting list for permanent and affordable housing 🏠 40% of people seeking homelessness services in Victoria do so because of family violence    Together, we can be part of change to end homelessness in Melbourne.

Meet Hank, aka Hank the Tank 🐶 Hank loves pats, treats, and everyone he meets! Hank is one of our adorable Launch Housing pets who spends his days at the office with his owner, Megan, enjoying naps and cuddles. But it's not just our office that welcomes furry friends. During times of crisis, pets provide companionship, comfort, and connection. That’s why we offer co-sheltering for people and their pets at our crisis accommodation.  Many people are reluctant to access emergency accommodation out of fear of being separated from their pets, and some even remain in violent situations out of concern for their pets' welfare if they leave. Last year, we provided co-sheltering for 33 pets—including dogs, cats, birds, and rabbits—and engaged in assertive outreach to people experiencing rough sleeping, offering support to them and their pets. At Launch Housing, we believe no one should have to choose between their own safety and their pets 💜

Have you seen the 2024 Priced Out report by Everybody's Home, released this week? It reveals that despite a rise in Centrelink payments and rental assistance, Australians on the lowest incomes are still being priced out of renting.   This is something we see every day across our services, with soaring demand particularly for our Private Rental Assistance program (PRAP). Last year we supported 2,443 households who were at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness, with financial and practical assistance to establish and maintain private rental tenancies through PRAP.   There has never been greater need for relief from the pressures and risks of rental stress.   Read the full Priced Out report here 👇

Last month we unveiled our Melbourne Zero mural, by artist Matt Adnate. Inspiring pride in Melbourne that we can be the most liveable city for all, the phrase 'Imagine, by 2030, a Melbourne where no one sleeps on the streets' is spray painted along the mural in Albion Alley.  In the latest from Melbourne Zero's Big Thinker Series, Dr Meg Mundell interviews artist Adnate about his artwork. Can spray paint spark empathy? Find out here 👇

At Launch Housing, we wholeheartedly support the Home Time campaign. We too believe children and young people need a safe place to call home. Find out below how you can get behind this day of action.