This green paper is the first step in developing a new national approach to homelessness. It seeks to promote public discussion of homelessness, highlight the challenges faced by people who are homeless, and suggest ways forward. There will be public consultations to provide feedback on the issues raised in the paper and identify other important issues and possible strategies. People will be able to contribute at public meetings and provide written submissions.

A white paper will then set out the government’s response to the green paper, including feedback from the consultation process. Expected to be released in September 2008 the white paper will provide a national plan of action for the years leading up to 2020.