Homelessness and housing support
People of all ages and backgrounds are at risk of being homeless. A short period of homelessness can have a profound impact on the lifetime wellbeing of an individual.
People experience and be affected by homelessness in different ways. This may include, but is not limited to, a person couch surfing, living in overcrowded homes, living in their vehicle, camping, in emergency accommodation or sleeping rough.
Council encourages community members to assist in addressing homelessness in the Macedon Ranges through feedback and reporting on any person potentially sleeping rough.
Access support services
If you are experiencing homelessness or potentially sleeping rough tonight, contact:
If you feel a person may be a danger to themselves or others, or if they have a child under 18 years old with them, call triple zero (000).
Other emergency and support services
For more information about other local contacts, see Emergency and support services
Council's response to homelessness
Council has partnered with local community groups and service providers to address homelessness; and have developed a pathway for the community to gain understanding of homelessness and where to access supports through Council platforms.
Councils Affordable Housing Policy, adopted in June 2023, commits to advocating for those that are homeless or at risk of homelessness, with its objective being to recognise:
- that housing is a human right for every person and ensure our most vulnerable people and communities have access to safe, secure and affordable housing.
- the Victorian Aboriginal Housing and Homelessness Framework and the National Housing and Homeless plan to guide advocacy work across the Macedon Ranges.
Council’s Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2021-2025 (MPHWP) references Council’s Commitment in Goal 3 - A community that is free from violence - Strategic Objective – Enable affordable, safe and appropriate housing.