Housing and homelessness
Within five kilometres of Brisbane's Central Business District:
- approximately 50 people are homeless
- over 300 live in unsafe or insecure accommodation
Brisbane City Council is addressing homelessness and affordable housing in Brisbane to create sustainable pathways out of homelessness.
Homeless initiatives
Homeless Connect
Council, state government, businesses and community groups provide free services to the homeless on the day of Homeless Connect event, such as:
- haircuts
- clothes
- accommodation information
- medical and legal advice
Public Space Liaison Officers
Council’s team of Public Space Liaison Officers act as the first point of contact between Council and people experiencing homelessness. They provide support and assist community organisations to respond effectively to the needs of Brisbane's homeless citizens.
Red Cross Night Café
The Red Cross Night Cafe was opened by Council and the Australian Red Cross in City Hall in 2001. The cafe provides Brisbane's homeless and disadvantaged youth with free meals and access to showers, toilets, health and legal advice two nights per week. The cafe also runs workshops and arts-based activities.
Due to the closure of City Hall for renovations, the cafe has relocated to the Albert Park Flexi School located at 1 Hale Street (corner of Milton Road), Brisbane.
Community Housing Partnership
Council-owned properties are available to social housing providers as crisis and transitional housing.
The next round of expressions of interest for community housing providers is currently open. You can apply or download an information pack.
The Brisbane Housing Company (BHC)
The BHC is a non-profit organisation established by Council with the state government. It provides affordable rental accommodation for people on low incomes.
The BHC has over 600 units in Brisbane, with more in development.
RecLink
Council has partnered with RecLink Australia to create RecLink Brisbane. Reclink provides sporting, social and arts activities to enhance the lives of people experiencing disadvantage.
Support for homeless people
You can volunteer with community organisations that help the homeless everyday:
