On the frontline of homelessness: from Street 2 Home in Hobart

In Tasmania, The Salvation Army is journeying with people experiencing primary homelessness — sleeping rough — through the Street 2 Home program, which helps break down the barriers to finding and maintaining stable housing. This Homelessness Week, Hobart-based Salvos assertive outreach worker Chris shares stories of connection and hope as he and colleague Annie meet people exactly where they are — on the streets, in cars, or in other temporary forms of shelter.

Ian* was a quiet presence, sitting in the corner of an evacuation centre following devastating storms that tore through a local camping area. Amid the chaos, with children crying and families seeking help, the 63-year-old sat hidden away in a corner, not wanting to bother anyone, not asking for anything.

When most evacuees eventually left for hotels or to stay with friends or relatives, Ian seemed reluctant to move.

Chris, who had dropped by the evacuation centre as part of his role with Street 2 Home, sensed something was wrong. (Salvos assertive outreach workers Chris and Annie both deliver the program in Hobart, providing practical support and care to those living on the street or in cars.)

Chris introduced himself and learned that Ian had been living in a tent at the campground for 10 years, weathering bitter Tasmanian winters, while patiently waiting for his turn on the community housing list.

The recent storm had destroyed the few things in the world he owned.

With no literacy or digital skills, Ian had learned to survive in the small, supportive community of the campground and a few shops and services beyond. But now, taken to the evacuation centre and outside his familiar environment, he couldn’t read the signs to identify shops or denominations of coins and notes.

He didn’t know how to get 'home', even if he had still had one to go to.

If your housing situation feels insecure or unsafe, The Salvation Army may be able to help you. Our homelessness support services are inclusive, welcoming and flexible. Contact us today for more information: salvationarmy.org.au/need-help/homelessness-support-services/

Chris explains: “Ian had been in his tent for 10 years, getting a mental health consultation once a month and telling the worker he was just waiting for his turn. He didn’t want to bother anyone, and no one had made any extra effort to help him or check on him.”

When Chris investigated, he discovered that the original housing application someone had started for Ian a decade earlier was never completed. Chris advocated on Ian's behalf and had the original application date recognised. Within three weeks, Ian was offered secure, supported community housing.

“We were able to get Ian into a supported property in the neighbourhood he knew and show him the basics — how to use a TV, how to read a remote, how to use the oven,” Chris says. “Now he has a home, security and support. That has been life changing.”

How Street 2 Home provides practical support

The Street 2 Home program in Hobart is built on relationships, patience and trust. Many community members have complex mental health issues, addictions, low literacy and other barriers to securing and maintaining housing.

“We always begin by asking, ‘Tell us what’s led you here? What’s your story?’ Then we can work out the best way to move forward,” Chris explains.

The team often receives reports from local councils about people sleeping rough or in cars. Chris and Annie head out, offer essentials like bedding and clothing, help with referrals and applications, and drive people to appointments. “Our car is our office,” Chris says.

Because many community members they support don’t have phones or internet access, Chris and Annie often act as the main point of contact for other services, including tracking people down in person and helping services stay in touch. “Most people we support don’t know how to access services. Many don’t want to go into town or into a building to talk to someone,” Chris says.

As the only organisation providing outreach support in the area, Street 2 Home supports people for as long as needed — sometimes for months or years — especially with housing waitlists so long.

Overcoming barriers to housing in Tasmania

“There generally are no fast options,” Chris says. “Even then, it is not as simple as just finding a home. We have to help address the issues that contributed to homelessness in the first place.”

When someone is allocated a house, Chris and Annie support them through every step, including organising rent, furniture and connecting power, to avoid overwhelming them and give them the best chance of maintaining their tenancy.

The program is designed to connect people with services, but in Hobart, Chris and Annie often do much more. They stay in touch long after people are housed — sometimes just popping by for a cuppa or a check-in.

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Tasmania’s freezing winters add another layer of complexity.

“Mental health issues get worse during winter,” Chris explains. “Some people commit offences just to go to prison for shelter. Many of our rough sleepers are former inmates caught in a cycle. They get released with no assistance, no funds, no ability to secure a hotel room, and they end up straight back on the street.

“Basically, they are homeless as soon as they are released.”

While challenges can at times seem insurmountable and huge caseloads are a reality, Chris and Annie are motivated by the lives they see transformed and even saved.

Chris says, “We had a community member I knew from my time working in the prison system. He could never hold down a tenancy. All his family support had broken down.

“We found him living in his car, which was completely broken down. He had his pet dog with him and had been banned from most shelters because of the dog. He had hit rock bottom. When he was given the chance of housing, he was determined to make a go of it. Within a month, he got himself a part-time job. He's loving life and has never looked back.

“You never know what is going to happen day-to-day. You never know who you are going to meet or what kind of situation you are going to come across. It is challenging, but it is very satisfying, and it is also essential.”

*This is a true story with name and some details changed.

At The Salvation Army, we believe in good for all. Learn more about how we can end homelessness in Australia — for good: salvationarmy.org.au/homelessness-week