Homelessness services and support for vulnerable people

In this section

How to get involved and provide support
List of services for the vulnerable and people experiencing homelessness

The City of Adelaide delivers and supports initiatives for vulnerable people, including people experiencing homelessness in the city. Our activities are guided by the Homelessness Strategy – Everyone's Business.

Strategies to connect with the homelessness sector and support their activities include neighbourhood development, provision of community infrastructure, community impact grants, and providing support referrals to people sleeping rough in the city.

In 2020, the South Australian Government announced a significant reform agenda for the homelessness sector. In response the SA Housing Authority has established five alliances, to service the complex and evolving needs of clients experiencing or at risk of homelessness across South Australia. This comprises four regional homelessness alliances, and one state-wide domestic and family violence alliance, which commenced operations on 1 July 2021.

The Alliance approach involves multiple non-government partners coming together to develop integrated service networks with supporting behaviours and practices.

Each of the four regionally based Alliances have a geographic focus to better tailor responses according to their cohort's need. The Adelaide CBD sits within the Southern Alliance which has been branded the Toward Home Alliance and brings together Aboriginal Community Services, Baptist Care SA, Mission Australia, Sonder, The Salvation Army and is being led by Lutheran Care.

People experiencing or at risk of homelessness in the Adelaide CBD, Southern metro or Adelaide Hills regions can connect with Toward Home services by calling 1800 809 273, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday.

Outside of these hours or areas call Homeless Connect SA on 1800 003 308 (free call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).

If you see someone you think is sleeping rough in the Adelaide CBD or surrounding parklands, we encourage you to use Street Connect to make a referral.

Adelaide Zero Project

The City of Adelaide is a proud partner of the Adelaide Zero Project. The project is committed to ending street homelessness in the city. The plan aims to achieve ‘functional zero homelessness’ in Adelaide’s CBD by 2020, ensuring available housing placements are fully utilised to assist homeless people.

Functional Zero homelessness is achieved when the number of people who are, or were, sleeping rough in the inner city is no greater than the six-month average housing placement rate. The Adelaide Zero Project Dashboard tracks our progress.

Find out more about the Adelaide Zero Project.

Getting involved

You too, can get involved and provide support, either through taking part in fundraising activities, volunteering or by simply making a donation.

Hutt St Centre

Each year Hutt St Centre serves around 50,000 meals and offers social work and support services to nearly 2,000 people. You can show your support for people facing homelessness by volunteering, donating clothes or participating in their annual Walk A Mile In My Boots event.

Find out more about Walk a Mile in My Boots.

Salvation Army

The unique Do Unto Others (DUOs) program was established to reach out to the homeless, vulnerable and marginalised, build community and restore dignity in the city of Adelaide. Opening at 4:00 pm, guests are welcomed into full table service, a hot meal, tea and coffee and some genuine care and conversation. Throughout the evening they can share board games, table tennis and find pre-loved clothing.

Anglicare

The Magdalene Centre in Adelaide is a welcoming place which offers a range of anti-poverty services, with the aim of supporting people as they regain control of their lives. The Magdalene Centre assists people with housing advice, legal issues, financial counselling and emergency relief.

Donate to the Magdalene Centre.

Baptist Care SA

Baptist Care SA’s WestCare Emergency Relief Program assisted 367 individuals and 387 families last year. You can help them by making food donations.

Check their website for a list of preferred essential items and how to prepare them.

St Vincent De Paul Society SA

The St Vincent de Paul Society SA (Vinnies) is asking people to search their wardrobes for any clothing they may be able to donate, in child and adult sizes. Anything in good condition that hasn’t been worn for twelve months is usually suitable to donate. As many people find it difficult to get to a shop during working hours, Vinnies can also collect large donations from workplaces and schools.

Find out the many ways you can donate to Vinnies.

Services for the vulnerable and people experiencing homelessness

Please check individual websites for the most up to date services and opening times. For a printable list and map refer to a quick guide to homelessness services in the city.