Lifeline

How Lifeline Australia Can Help You with Housing Support

Lifeline Australia is here to listen and connect you.

While Lifeline doesn't provide housing directly, we understand that not having a safe, stable place to live can be incredibly stressful and overwhelming. Our primary role is to offer emotional support and then connect you to the specialist organisations that can provide direct housing assistance and related services.

How Lifeline Helps You:

1. A Safe Place to Talk:

   • 24/7 Crisis Support (Phone: 13 11 14, Text: 0477 13 11 14, Online Chat via our website): You can reach out to us anytime, day or night. Our trained Crisis Supporters will listen without judgment to whatever you're going through, including the stress and fear related to your housing situation. We understand that housing issues can deeply impact your well-being.

   • Emotional Support: We'll help you process your feelings and provide a space for you to express your worries, even if you're not in immediate danger of self-harm.

2. Connecting You to the Right Services:

   • Understanding Your Situation: When you talk to us, we'll gently ask a few questions to understand your specific needs. This might include:

     • Where you are located: So we can find local services near you.

     • How urgent your need is: Are you needing somewhere to stay tonight, or are you looking for longer-term support?

     • Your personal circumstances: For example, if you're new to Australia (an immigrant/refugee), if you have children, or if your housing issue is related to a recent separation or feeling unsafe. This helps us suggest the most relevant organisations.

   • The Lifeline Service Finder: We can guide you to our online Service Finder (available on the Lifeline Australia website). This is a comprehensive directory of free or low-cost health and community services across Australia. You can use it to search for:

     • Homelessness support and crisis accommodation

     • Financial assistance

     • Services for migrants and refugees

     • Domestic and family violence support (if relevant)

   • Direct Referrals: We'll also provide you with direct phone numbers or website addresses for specific organisations that specialise in housing support.

Situations Where Lifeline Can Help You Connect:

• You've been kicked out and have nowhere to go.

• You're facing eviction and need help finding a new place.

• You're an immigrant or refugee struggling to find stable housing.

• You're experiencing financial hardship that's making it impossible to pay rent.

• You're leaving an unsafe situation (e.g., domestic violence) and need emergency accommodation.

• You're couch surfing and need a more stable solution.

• You simply feel overwhelmed and don't know where to start looking for housing support.

Organizations Lifeline May Connect You To (Examples):

• For Urgent Accommodation:

  • Victoria Statewide 24/7 Homelessness Support Line (1800 825 955): For immediate crisis accommodation in Victoria.

  • Other State Homelessness Hotlines: (e.g., Link2home NSW: 1800 152 152) – we'll give you the number for your state.

  • Major charities like Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul Society (Vinnies), and Mission Australia, who provide crisis and transitional housing.

  • Ask Izzy (askizzy.org.au): A website that quickly finds local services for housing, food, and more.

• For Immigrants, Refugees, and New Arrivals:

  • Australian Red Cross - Migration Support: Offers emergency relief (like food and essential items) and can help connect new arrivals with housing assistance.

  • Migrant Resource Centres (MRCs) / Settlement Services: Local organisations that help new migrants and refugees with all aspects of settlement, including finding housing, understanding tenancy rights, and connecting to community.

  • Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC): Provides crucial services for people seeking asylum, including housing assistance.

  • AMES Australia: Offers accommodation support and tenancy training for newly arrived refugees, particularly in Victoria.

• If You're Experiencing Family Violence:

  • 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732): The national service for sexual assault, domestic, and family violence, which can connect you with safe accommodation.

  • Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre (Victoria: 1800 015 188): Victoria's dedicated 24/7 family violence response service for women and children needing crisis accommodation.

• For Financial Assistance or Legal Advice:

  • National Debt Helpline (1800 007 007): For free financial counselling.

  • Good Shepherd: Offers No Interest Loans (NILs) for essential expenses like rental bonds.

  • Victoria Legal Aid (1300 792 387): For free legal advice on tenancy rights or eviction issues.

Remember: You are not alone. Reaching out to Lifeline is a brave first step. We are here to listen and help guide you to the practical support you need.