The report provides insights and analyses of data provided by over 1,700 government-funded agencies delivering homelessness services. The data offer a unique opportunity to expand upon existing qualitative studies on homelessness that, while rich in depth (being based on interviews, questionnaires, or case notes), are often based on relatively small sample sizes or timeframes.

The SHS longitudinal data contain information for over 1 million individual clients nationally since 1 July 2011. The data have been provided by over 1,700 government-funded agencies. As such, the data 

In addition to this, the Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS) Collection (SHSC) data have potential to support longitudinal analyses. Specifically, the types of support provided to clients over time can be examined and can provide valuable insights into the experiences of SHS clients over time and as well as important evidence for future policy development.

Key finding

• Half of rough sleeping clients in 2016–18 had received SHS support in the previous 2 years
• In 2019–20, 56% of clients who experienced persistent homelessness were female and 51% were under 25 years old
• In 2011–13, 52% of young SHS clients aged under 18 had experienced homelessness at some time
• Around 3 in 5 returning to homelessness clients in 2019–20 had a current mental health issue or had experienced FDV

Additional insights will be added to the online report.