Better Health and Housing Program

Service overview

The Better Health and Housing Program (BHHP) provides a coordinated health and housing response for people experiencing homelessness. The services is located at Sumner House in Fitzroy, and delivered in partnership by St Vincent’s with Launch Housing and The Brotherhood of St Laurence.

The BHHP is a residential-based integrated health and homelessness service for people who are experiencing chronic homelessness and poor health.  The provision of support coupled with stable housing aims to break the cycle of chronic homelessness and poor health for BHHP participants.  Participants will be supported under the BHHP over a period of three to six months, during which they are expected to experience an improvement to their quality-of-life and reduction in demand on unplanned / emergency health services, welfare, and justice systems.

Team members

  • Care Coordinators (Nurses and Allied Health)
  • Lived Experience Worker
  • Launch Housing Support Workers

Service delivery

  • 24hour / 7 day service
  • BHHP referrals accepted and planned admissions Monday – Friday, 9am-4pm

Eligibility criteria 

The participants of the BHHP service will be:

  • Aged 30 years and over, with additional priority given to residents aged over 40 years
    N.B. Individuals who identify as Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander will be given additional priority.  
  • Experiencing chronic homelessness including rough sleeping, staying in emergency accommodation, or housing that is otherwise unsuitable;
  • Have physical or mental health issues that prevent them from thriving in unsupported accommodation AND this health issue is anticipated to be able to be addressed during their stay; and
  • Are expressing a ‘readiness for change’- seeking support for these issues, and agree to engage in their own goal directed care during their stay

Referral process 

Referrals for the Better Health and Housing Referral Program to be directed to BHHPReferrals@svha.org.au

BHHP referral form (download Word document)

Contact details 

0437 059 267