As part of Homelessness Week 2025, Hume City Council has hosted a powerful community event, bringing together residents, service providers, and advocates to shine a light on the growing issue of homelessness in Hume and across Victoria.
The event was held in the Hume Global Learning Centre – Broadmeadows on Thursday 7 August as part of the national campaign, this year being held from Monday 4 August until Sunday 10 August, which aims to build community support and government commitment to end homelessness.
In Hume, 1,147 people identified as homeless, which is a 25% increase since 2016, and an additional 1,522 residents were living in marginal housing, placing them at serious risk of becoming homeless.
Thursday's event in Hume focused on this year's Homelessness Week theme of 'Homelessness Action Now'.
Conversations raised awareness about the urgent need for investment from State and Federal Government in the following areas:
- The establishment of multiple access points within Hume City, with a priority focus on Sunbury and other growth areas
- Specialist homelessness services that are tailored to the needs of Hume's diverse population. This includes culturally responsive support for migrant communities and youth-specific services
- Assertive outreach from specialist agencies to connect people sleeping rough to healthcare/housing services and crisis accommodation
- Best practice crisis accommodation facilities within Hume City, which would include short-term emergency housing for individuals, families, and young people, that have wraparound support services to help residents transition into stable housing
The event featured a Q&A panel with local homelessness and health support services, including VincentCare, Juno, and DPV Health, who provided insight into the current challenges and supports available to people in crisis.
Attendees also took part in a creative origami activity, folding paper houses as a symbol of the 60,000 social housing homes urgently needed across Victoria. The colourful display served as a visual call for safe and secure housing for all.
To learn more about how Council is supporting those experiencing homelessness visit hume.vic.gov.au/homelessness.
Quotes attributable to Hume City Mayor, Cr Jarrod Bell:
"Homelessness takes many forms – not just sleeping rough. Many people in our community are living in overcrowded conditions, cars, or temporary shelters with no stable home.
Everyone in Hume deserves dignity, stability, and access to basic human rights.
This event was about listening to real stories from within our community and understanding the steps we must take to end homelessness."
