HomelessnessSA was officially launched on Friday March 2 2001, as a result of the coming together of three peak groups who represented agencies funded through the Supported Accommodation Assistance Program (SAAP). These groups were the Youth Housing Network (YHN), Council to Homeless Persons SA (CHPSA), and the Women’s Emergency Services Coalition (WESC). Shelter SA facilitated the process and continues to provide administrative support and has a protocol agreement with HomelessnessSA.
Four major issues underlying the push for a single peak were the:
sector wanting to strengthen its voice to government
overlap in issues between the SAAP sectors; for example, domestic violence is a significant issue for family and youth services
desire to facilitate greater coordination of efforts between all services to homeless people
improved chances of increasing the resourcing for the homelessness sector
HomelessnessSA is a statewide organisation that has a growing membership, including a wide range of organisations, services, and individuals who have an interest in homelessness. HomelessnessSA seeks to be inclusive, and encourages the participation of people who have experienced homelessness. HomelessnessSA invites everyone with skills, knowledge or interest in the area to join together to work on the broader issues that are intertwined with homelessness.
HomelessnessSA advocates strongly that homelessness is not simply about shelter; it is about people who live on the margins, and allowing them to join us and share in all the things that most Australians take for granted. It is about breaking down fear and prejudice, and having the will to do what is right.
Vision
The vision of HomelessnessSA is the elimination of homelessness through:
advocating for the rights of people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness
identifying and striving to address the conditions that create homelessness and inequality
promoting a society where all people are valued and included
encouraging active participation, cooperation and innovation
Mission
The mission of HomelessnessSA is to undertake advocacy, networking and community education on homelessness in South Australia
Objectives
The objectives of HomelessnessSA are to provide an effective voice regarding homelessness and related issues by:
facilitating communication and enabling Members to network, liaise and share information to support the coordination of services to people who are homeless in South Australia
operating as the peak body for people who are homeless in South Australia
representing the interests of people who are homeless in South Australia to those involved in the political system including government at all levels, the media and the community
advocating for social justice for people who are homeless in South Australia and their right to safe and secure housing
contributing to the development of policy that prevents or ameliorates homelessness and promotes the provision of adequate services to meet the needs of people who are homeless in South Australia or at risk of becoming homeless
encouraging the development and provision of services and service standards to meet the needs of people who are homeless in South Australia
fostering an understanding of homelessness through research and consultation with people who are homeless, with services, with the broader community and with government
establishing and maintaining relationships with appropriate national bodies
undertaking all such other things as may be incidental to the achievement of the above objectives
