I’m homeless or about to be homeless — what do I do?

This is urgent. Being without safe housing affects everything — your health, your family, your ability to function. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Here’s what to do, step by step.

Step 1: If you’re in danger, call 000

If you’re in immediate danger — from violence, from the weather, from anything — call 000 first. Police and ambos will help you get to safety. They won’t judge you. They will help.

Step 2: Ring Victoria’s homelessness hotline — 1800 825 955

This is the main number. They operate 24/7. They’ll do a phone assessment and will connect you with the right service for your situation. They’ll ask:

• Where you are right now
• Whether you have children with you
• Whether you’re fleeing violence
• Your income situation

Don’t lie to them. They can’t help you properly if they don’t know your real situation.

Step 3: Tell them if you’re Aboriginal

If you identify as Aboriginal, say so. You have priority access to public housing in Victoria. This is called the Victorian Housing Register (VHR) and Aboriginal applicants get fast-tracked. Don’t let anyone tell you that you have to wait in the same queue as everyone else.

Step 4: If you’re in Swan Hill or the Mallee area

Ring Swan Hill Neighbourhood House on (03) 5032 9238 — they can help coordinate with other services and be a contact point while you’re working things out. They see people in housing crisis regularly and know the system.

You can also contact MDAS on (03) 5023 5023 — their family services team can help if you’re Aboriginal and dealing with a housing crisis alongside other issues.

Step 5: Apply for the Victorian Housing Register

The worker you speak to at the hotline will help you apply. You can also apply directly at housing.vic.gov.au. You’ll need:

• Proof of identity
• Proof of income (or that you have no income)
• Information about your current situation

Being on the VHR doesn’t mean you get housing immediately — waiting lists exist — but it does mean you get priority as an Aboriginal applicant.

Step 6: If you’re renting and about to be evicted

If you have a rental property and you’re being evicted, don’t ignore the notices. The Tenancy Union Victoria can help: 1300 788 648. They can look at your lease and tell you if the eviction is legal. Many evictions are done incorrectly and can be challenged.

You can also get help from Swan Hill CLC on (03) 5032 1688 for tenancy issues.

Step 7: If you need to leave home because of family violence

If you’re leaving because of family violence, tell the person you speak to at 1800 825 955 — they will connect you to a women’s refuge or crisis accommodation that can take you and your children immediately. Children are NOT automatically taken if you go to a women’s refuge — this is important to know. You can say: “I need women’s refuge accommodation, not child protection.”

Safe Steps (family violence crisis line) also helps: 1800 015 188.

Remember

• Being homeless is not a crime
• You have rights
• You don’t have to have all the answers — just make the first call
• Numbers change — if one doesn’t work, ring Swan Hill Neighbourhood House

Most important number: 1800 825 955 — Victoria’s homelessness hotline, 24/7.