Housing and homelessness
Homelessness can affect anyone at any point in their lives. It is a sensitive, complex and confronting issue.
Poverty, unemployment and lack of affordable, safe and appropriate housing are the primary drivers behind homelessness. Other contributing factors include family violence, physical health and mental health issues, childhood trauma and abuse, substance abuse and the lack of a safety net to fall back on.
Visit the Homelessness Australia and Council to Homeless Persons website for more information about homelessness.
Leading the response
The Queensland Government, acting through the Department of Housing and Public Works, is the lead agency responsible for reducing homelessness in Queensland. The Department of Housing and Public Works provides public housing and funding to housing and homelessness service providers. Visit Queensland Government website for more information.
Department of Housing and Public Works and service providers ensure that people experiencing homelessness in the Moreton Bay Region have access to the support services that they need.
Council can make referrals to these authorities when cases of homelessness are identified in the community. Council respects the privacy of people experiencing homelessness and their right to access public amenities and participate in public activities, and will only engage with a person if:
- They appear to be distressed or in need of assistance,
- Their personal possessions limit access to or affect the use of public amenities, or
- They are not complying with a relevant law or regulation.
Every individual’s unique circumstance is taken into careful consideration before a referral is made.
Public spaces
All people have a right to enjoy and feel safe in public places.
If a person has set up a temporary structure that is unsafe or limits access or use of a public space, a Local Laws Officer will request that the structure is removed.
Similarly, if the storage of personal items limits access or use of a public space, a Local Laws Officer will request that the personal belongings are removed.
Local Laws Officers will consider the circumstances of the person, the impact of the structure and/or personal belongings on the public space before deciding how to respond.
Items that are believed to be abandoned in a public space will be impounded by council. You may phone Council on 07 32055 0555 if you believe that your personal items have been impounded to find out if we have them and how you can retrieve them.
Local parking rules apply throughout the Moreton Bay Region and all drivers in the Moreton Bay Region are responsible for knowing and complying with these rules.
Need help?
Homeless Hotline
Homeless Hotline is a phone information and referral service for people who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. Homeless Hotline will provide information about where you can find support, accommodation, meals and showers.
The service operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Free call: 1800 474 753 or TTY: 1800 010 222.
Ask Izzy
Ask Izzy is a website and app that connects people who are in crisis with the services that they need.
Public and Community Housing
The Queensland Government Department of Housing and Public Works provides housing assistance to people on low to moderate incomes.
Tenancy advice
The Queensland State-wide Tenant Advice and Referral Service (QSTARS) provides free tenancy information, advice and assistance. The state-wide advice number is 1300 744 263.
The regional QSTARS provider for Moreton Bay is Enhance Care. Visit their website or phone 07 5432 3374 for information.
The Queensland Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) provide tenancy information and support, bond management, dispute resolution, investigations and prosecutions, and education services. Contact the RTA on 1300 366 311.
Want to help?
Learn more
Increase your awareness and learn more about homelessness by visiting the Homelessness Australia and Council to Homeless Persons websites.
Donate
The provision of donated goods to people experiencing homelessness is best managed through homelessness services to ensure that people receive the items they need and are connected to ongoing support.
Contact your local neighbourhood centre or homeless service and ask if they accept donations and what items they currently need.
Volunteer
Many homelessness services rely on the generosity of volunteers.
Think about what skills you can contribute and how much time you can commit. Is there a cause that is close to your heart?
Contact your local neighbourhood centre or homeless service and ask if they need volunteers.
Advocate
Visit the Homelessness Australia to learn more and become involved in campaigns to end homelessness.
For more information contact the Community and Cultural Programs team on (07) 3205 0555 or email communityprograms@moretonbay.qld.gov.au.