News
17 August, 2025
Homeless action now
NEW research from the University of Queensland (UQ) has revealed the complex and growing nature of homelessness in the Brisbane region, where more than 4,600 people— including 1,230 families and over 2,100 children—are currently without stable housing.
The findings, made using homelessness data from Micah Projects, were released last week at the Brisbane Zero forum, and highlighted that addressing homelessness requires tackling both personal challenges like addiction, mental illness, and domestic violence, as well as systemic barriers in housing, health, and community services.
Micah Projects CEO Karyn Walsh explained that preventing homelessness means sustaining tenancies through supportive housing models that address these multiple risks.
“Preventing homelessness through sustaining tenancies faces a twofold problem,” she said.
“On the one hand society sees it as a problem with the person experiencing poverty and on the other hand there are problems with the housing system that also need addressing.
“A supportive housing model identifies the risks and puts supports in place so families and individuals can continue their housing and not become homeless. Changes to housing systems are also needed to remove the barriers to continuing housing.”
The study proposes a housing model that addresses issues at an individual and systemic level to keep people housed and prevent homelessness.
Report author, UQ’s Professor Cameron Parsell, said they drew on Micah Project’s practices that sustain tenancies.
“We found what works is support work involving coordination between systems especially tenancy managers and housing participants,” he said.
“Supporting these participants must be proactive and build a strong rapport with them.
“Evidence-informed tools are also needed along with a continuum of support and tailored solutions.”
Building on this, City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery invited the State Government to launch a trial initiative of the Home Find program, in partnership with City of Moreton Bay and Encircle.
Home Find will provide transitional housing with wrap-around support, initially focusing on women experiencing or at risk of homelessness—40 per cent of the local homeless population, according to Encircle.
Mayor Flannery said Council was committed to ending homelessness through “innovative solutions”.
“An end to homelessness is a non-negotiable goal for Council too, and we are actively working with frontline services, housing providers, community groups and all levels of government to deliver immediate and practical support to achieve this goal,” Cr Flannery said.
“As a Council, we’re pulling all the levers available to us to help combat the impact of the national housing crisis locally.
“We need an increase in crisis and transitional housing options locally, but housing alone isn’t enough.
“Importantly, people need wrap around support services for those doing it tough, especially to help them stay housed or recover from crisis.”
Since 2021, Council has provided land for community housing, waived infrastructure fees to encourage affordable housing, and invested $3.7 million in the Peninsula Support Hub, which offers case management, meals, and social connection.
Moreton Bay has also launched a Public Space Liaison Officer program, invested in the Sleep Bus, and formed multi-agency partnerships to address homelessness on the ground.
“We acknowledge there is more to be done to ensure all members of our communities have a safe and secure roof over their head, and we will continue to put forward practical solutions to the Government,” Cr Flannery said.
“Our work is not done while there are still people sleeping rough.”
