We believe we can end homelessness — for good
Homelessness Week, held 3–9 August 2026, is a campaign that raises awareness of the reality of homelessness in Australia and what can be done to drive lasting change.
More than 122,400 people across Australia are living without a safe, secure and affordable home. This includes people sleeping rough, living in cars, staying in shelters or on other people’s couches, and in unsuitable housing.
The Salvation Army is one of the largest providers of homelessness services in Australia. We see situations like this every day, and we believe this should not be anyone’s reality. We believe everyone deserves a stable home where they can develop relationships, belong to a community and thrive.
We believe in good and we believe we can end homelessness — for good. If you share this vision, then partner with us this Homelessness Week to help make it a reality.
Need help today?
Are you worried about your housing? Are you in an unsafe or unstable situation? If you or someone you know is at risk of or experiencing homelessness, we’re here to help.
Need help with something else?
What is Homelessness Week?
Homelessness Week is an annual campaign coordinated by Homelessness Australia, the national peak body for homelessness in Australia. It aims to build community support and government commitment to end homelessness in Australia. Their theme for Homelessness Week 2026 is Homelessness Action Now.
The Salvation Army works to end homelessness by supporting people experiencing homelessness with wraparound services, and engaging in advocacy efforts to achieve meaningful, systemic change.
This Homelessness Week, we encourage you to learn more about our services, the issues people face when experiencing homelessness, and what you can do about it.
How The Salvation Army supports people experiencing homelessness
We are passionate about providing people with a safe place to sleep and helping people find stable and secure housing, however we take a wraparound approach to supporting people experiencing homelessness. That means we use our broad range of services and connections to work with people to help meet their needs and goals.
Depending on the individual situation, this may involve:
- Help with paying bills and putting food on the table to reduce someone’s risk of homelessness
- Financial counselling to improve people’s confidence with juggling rent and other living expenses
- Practical assistance to someone at risk of or experiencing homelessness such as meals, blankets, showers and laundry facilities
- One-on-one case management support to discuss goals and opportunities for change
- Support during and after a family and domestic violence situation
- Tenant advocacy and advice to help people find or maintain housing
- Emotional and spiritual support through our churches (known as corps)
- Referral to other services such as local community service agencies or The Salvation Army Employment Plus
Our impact
Assisted over 34,000 people
at risk of or experiencing homelessness
Provided more than 333,000
sessions of care
Provided 653,000+ crisis beds
to people at risk of or experiencing homelessness
Provided over 1.3 million meals
to people staying in homelessness residential centres
Source: The Salvation Army, Centre for Mission Impact, National CY25 data snapshot report, 1 January to 31 December 2025
Read more homelessness facts in Australia
A day in the life of Salvos homelessness caseworkers
Hear from four of our frontline caseworkers as they share the challenges and realities of supporting people experiencing homelessness.
Watch the video to see their impact in action.
Why ending homelessness matters to the Salvos
Homelessness touches so many aspects of our service to people in hardship.
Australians care about ending homelessness
Our Social Justice Stocktake report data shows housing affordability and homelessness is a top concern for all communities.
When falling short leads to homelessness
The current housing crisis is placing so many more people at risk of homelessness.
How you can help people experiencing homelessness
Become a volunteer
You can make a positive difference in the lives of vulnerable Australians by contributing your time as a volunteer.
Help us advocate to end homelessness
What do you think about homelessness? How could we end it? Your thoughts will form part of our advocacy campaign to the government.
Donate to the Salvos’ homelessness services
You can be the hope people need. Donate today to support those experiencing homelessness.