This research develops strategies to redesign the homelessness service system in Australia in order to reduce homelessness. 

The homelessness service system in Australia comprises national intergovernmental agreements around homelessness services, state and territory strategies, and over 1,500 Specialist Homelessness Services (SHSs) that provide a range of services to support clients who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The effectiveness of the Australian homelessness service system is constrained for different population groups who experience a range of other social, economic, health and justice issues. As such, homelessness requires a more integrated cross-sectorial response, involving mainstream systems and specialist services.

One of the main problems identified was that the homelessness service system is crisis-driven but does not provide rapid long term rehousing. 

A fundamental system change, based on findings from Australia and from overseas, is proposed that would focus on prevention and early intervention rather than be a largely crisis response; ensure every person is quickly provided with appropriate assistance via a ‘duty to assist’ protocol; incorporate a Housing First response for people experiencing homelessness so that they can move as quickly as possible into needs and age appropriate long-term housing options; actively involve existing homelessness services in reshaping the sector to deliver agreed outcomes for, and on behalf of, governments; and develop long-term plans for an adequate supply of social and affordable housing.