The heart of Geelong: Meeting homelessness with hope

In the heart of Geelong, where affordable housing options are increasingly scarce, the rate of homelessness among single men is growing. Madeleine Wacher, Salvation Army Social Manager – Homelessness, Victoria, shares her team’s experiences and the innovative solutions available at Samaritan House, Geelong, to support single men experiencing homelessness.

She writes:

As a frontline homelessness service dedicated to providing accommodation for men experiencing homelessness, we witness daily both the struggles and resilience of those who find themselves without a place to call home.

In a landscape where economic pressures and housing shortages create almost insurmountable barriers, our mission becomes ever more critical. Single men — often overlooked in discussions of homelessness — face unique challenges requiring targeted and compassionate responses.

Challenges in addressing homelessness

In the Greater City of Geelong, home to a population of over 271,000, there is a notable gap in 24/7 government-funded crisis accommodation. This gap is particularly alarming given the significant need among men experiencing homelessness in the region.

Data from The Salvation Army in the Geelong area between 2019 and 2023 reveals 64 per cent of those seeking assistance were male. Of these men, 29 per cent were referred from correctional facilities, showing the intricate relationship between homelessness and the criminal justice system.

Sixteen per cent reported a history of rough sleeping and almost half (42 per cent) reported having no income at all, exacerbating their vulnerability and challenges in securing stable housing.

These statistics underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions, like those provided by The Salvation Army in Geelong, to break the cycle of homelessness.

Samaritan House: Providing crisis housing for men in Geelong

Samaritan House, Geelong, provides crisis housing for up to 20 single men facing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. Established in 2012 as a community-driven response to Geelong's growing homelessness issue, Samaritan House partnered with The Salvation Army for operational management in 2017.

In its early years, the focus was primarily on providing single men with a safe haven from the streets. Supported by a program manager and volunteers, it offered practical and emotional support, connecting residents to other services and activities locally.

In the past eight years, the partnership between Samaritan House and The Salvation Army has meant far more than just accommodation — providing a welcoming environment where residents can stay while receiving dedicated support from a team of professional case managers.

If you are worried that you are at risk of homelessness or facing homelessness, find out how we can help: salvationarmy.org.au/need-help/homelessness-support-services/ 

The model focuses on holistic and client-centred support, ensuring that every resident not only has a place to call home, but also receives the resources and encouragement needed to thrive. 

Samaritan House comprises a nine-bedroom shared house, a four-bedroom shared house and seven independent units. Residents begin their journey in the nine-bedroom house, where they engage in a 12-week living skills program. 

The Adult Living Skills Program (ALSP) is facilitated by case managers, with a focus on helping residents create online profiles for private rental applications, as well as educating them on tenancy rights, the competitiveness of the private rental market, budgeting skills and navigating relationships within shared households. This program encourages group discussion and learning through peer support and shared lived experiences. 

For those ready to progress, extended accommodation of up to six months is then available at Kevin Dillon Cottage, a nearby four-bedroom property onsite. Residents of the cottage are provided with ongoing case management support. 

In 2020, through a collaboration with Deakin University’s School of Architecture and Built Environment and local manufacturer FormFlow, seven prefabricated independent living units were added to the site. This innovative project involved horticulture and landscaping students from Gordon TAFE and offers transition to longer-term social and private housing.  

Finding a place to call home 

Despite the many challenges faced by those we journey with, there are many positive outcomes. 

At 15, James* was couch surfing after being asked to leave home. By 16, he was a father, and by 21 he was incarcerated. James cycled in and out of both the justice system and homelessness for the next seven years. 

Upon his last release from prison, James, struggling with the urge to relapse into drug use and reoffend, sought help from The Salvation Army Homelessness Services in Geelong. He secured accommodation at Samaritan House, was appointed a case manager and entered the ALSP program the same day. 

Within six weeks, James began working to regain his driver licence, saved for necessary courses and enrolled in a peer-led group to support his positive changes. 

He is also currently pursuing his dream of becoming a barber after securing funding from The Salvation Army for a Certificate III course in Barbering. Recently, he transferred to an independent living unit, where he can focus on his studies and securing long-term housing. 

Overwhelmed by the support, James is determined to stay drug free, save money and ultimately secure permanent housing. 

He says, “Accommodation at Samaritan House and support from The Salvation Army has given me the opportunity to become what I want to be and has broken the cycle of homelessness and prison. If I wasn't here now, I'd be back in prison. It has given me a reason to change as a person.” 

Remaining housing challenges persist 

Despite progress, challenges remain. Homelessness among single men in Geelong persists due to entrenched barriers, including economic instability and a lack of affordable housing options. 

Many also face exacerbated mental health challenges and social isolation, hindering their path to stability and independence. Additionally, stigma and societal perceptions marginalise homeless individuals, making it difficult for them to reintegrate into the community and secure employment. 

Having served prison time further complicates matters, as many lack structured support systems, perpetuating cycles of homelessness and increasing vulnerability to reoffending. 

Services like Samaritan House and The Salvation Army are crucial in addressing these challenges — but more services, more resources, stronger advocacy and ongoing collaboration are needed to help men facing homelessness overcome barriers to stable housing. 

While our efforts at the grassroots level have shown promising results, we also recognise that systemic change is crucial. 

Dealing with complexities of homelessness 

Looking forward, our commitment remains unwavering. We continue to innovate and adapt, driven by the belief that every person deserves stability and the opportunity to thrive. As we navigate the complexities of homelessness, we stand ready to collaborate with stakeholders, policymakers and the broader community to advocate for sustainable solutions. 

Addressing homelessness demands urgent attention and innovative solutions. As we continue on this journey, we invite the community to join us in our mission. Together, we can build a future where homelessness is a temporary hardship rather than a perpetual reality. Together, we can create an Australia where every individual has a place to call home. 

_{*This is a true story, with name changed for privacy and shared with permission. 
A longer version of this article first appeared in Parity magazine.} 

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