As the peak body for homelessness in Victoria, Council to Homeless Persons seeks to promote evidence-based solutions to homelessness. As the most visible form of homelessness, rough sleeping is an issue that attracts a lot of public attention, and stimulates public debate about solutions. It is also an issue that has benefitted from considerable Australian and international research about ‘what works’.

This research demonstrates the importance of provision of suitable long term housing options and ongoing flexible support, in providing permanent pathways out of rough sleeping. The report also discusses how the popular option of homeless shelters is both ineffective at ending homelessness, and commonly rejected by people experiencing homelessness.

This report draws on international research, and local practice experience in Victoria, to explore the forms of accommodation that will have the most impact on achieving an absolute reduction in people on the street.