People who experience homelessness die an average of 22 to 33 years younger than those who are housed. This group often faces complex health issues, including chronic illness, mental health conditions, and substance use disorders, yet they encounter multiple barriers to accessing timely, coordinated care.
Evidence shows that the effects of homelessness can be reversed by secure housing which leads to improved overall wellbeing, improved mental health and reduced rates of hospitalisation. In addition, health services play an important role in preventing and reducing the health impacts of homelessness by identifying risk factors and adopting early intervention approaches.
Homelessness in Gippsland continues to increase and is becoming more visible.
While every Gippsland Local Government Area (LGA) except Bass Coast and South Gippsland recorded an increase in the number of people accessing homelessness services over the past 10 years, Latrobe consistently had the highest number of service users.
Gippsland PHN have funded a pilot program in the Latrobe LGA, with a focus on improving equitable access to healthcare for people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness.
The Homelessness Access Program responds to this priority by helping to reduce barriers to service access and improve overall health and wellbeing through practical, person-centred support.
Breed Street Clinic provides free primary healthcare services to people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness in the Latrobe LGA. Referrals can be made through homelessness or social support providers, Neighbourhood Houses, or individuals can self-present. Services are offered in clinic, via telehealth or through pop-up sessions at Neighbourhood Houses or other community organisations.
Quantum Support Services are enhancing access to primary healthcare for people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness. Through dedicated care coordination, Quantum assists clients with booking healthcare appointments – including GP, allied health, disability, mental health, and Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) services – as well as arranging transport and providing brokerage support for medications and travel when needed.
Four Latrobe-based Neighbourhood and Community Houses have been equipped with private telehealth facilities through funding from Gippsland PHN’s Homelessness Access Program. These facilities are available free of charge to people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness, providing a safe and supportive space to access telehealth appointments with healthcare professionals. The initiative helps reduce barriers to primary healthcare for this vulnerable population by offering a safe, supportive environment and guidance to navigate available health services and resources.
Health on Wheels is a mobile outreach healthcare service commissioned by Gippsland PHN and delivered by Gippsland Lakes Community Health to support people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness in the Wellington and East Gippsland LGAs.
The service operates a fully equipped mobile clinic and delivers assertive, culturally safe and trauma-informed outreach, bringing healthcare directly to people in locations they already access, including known rough-sleeping sites and community hubs.
Service delivery model
The service is staffed by a Registered Nurse and a Homelessness Support Worker.
Services provided include:
Improving access, reducing barriers
Through the Homelessness Access Program, Gippsland PHN is supporting more equitable access to healthcare by meeting people where they are, strengthening service coordination and working alongside community partners to address both health and social needs. The initiative helps reduce barriers to primary healthcare for this vulnerable population by offering a safe, supportive environment and guidance to navigate available health services and resources.