Homelessness support

On any given night in Australia more than 120,000 people are estimated to be experiencing homelessness. People that have instable housing often have difficulty in managing their health, which may lead to developing or exacerbating a chronic health issue and reduce their ability to sustain employment, maintain good mental wellbeing and social connections.

Local data and insights

Murray PHN’s Population Health Series: Homelessness report published in May 2025 describes the outcomes of a comprehensive analysis of the health and service needs of people experiencing or at risk of homelessness in the catchment. The report highlights priorities, strengths and gaps in primary healthcare capacity to meet the health needs of this population and to identify opportunities to improve access to services.

Murray Health Report: Housing Instability and Health

A reliable roof over your head is one of the basic necessities of life, yet homelessness rates are growing. Homelessness doesn’t discriminate – it affects men, women, older people, young adults and families. People who are experiencing homelessness or unstable housing situations often find it difficult to break a poor health cycle.

To provide community members with some of the key insights into the threat of housing insecurity in our region and the associated impacts, we are pleased to release the annual 2025 Murray Health Report on the impact of Housing Instability and Health.

Click here to read the Murray Health Report on Housing Instability and Health.

Local Murray PHN funded services

Murray PHN has commissioned three outreach programs to help reduce the barriers to accessing healthcare. Each offers free, walk-in appointments without the need for identification or Medicare documentation in locations throughout the community to break down barriers that may prevent people from getting the care they need.

People in other areas call the Victorian Statewide Homelessness Line on 1800 825 955 24 hours, seven days a week to connect with local support services.

Murray PHN resources

For health professionals:

National PHN framework

The national PHN Cooperative has developed a framework to provide high-level guidance and a structured approach to addressing the challenges of homelessness in their respective regions. By using the framework, PHNs can collectively build on evidence-based models and innovative solutions that enhance access to healthcare for people experiencing homelessness.

Last Update: October 6th, 2025

Murray PHN acknowledges its catchment crosses over many unceded First Nations Countries, following the Dhelkunya Yaluk (Healing River).

We pay our respects and give thanks to the Ancestors, Elders and Young people for their nurturing, protection and caregiving of these sacred lands and waterways, acknowledging their continuing cultural, spiritual and educational practices.

We are grateful for the sharing of Country and the renewal that Country gives us. We acknowledge and express our sorrow that this sharing has come at a personal, spiritual and cultural cost to the wellbeing of First Nations peoples. We commit to addressing the injustices of colonisation across our catchment, and to listening to the wisdom of First Nations communities who hold the knowledge to enable healing. We extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.