Peninsula Health Outreach Nurse Mel (left) and stroke patient Anthony (right). Credit: Peninsula Health
FRANKSTON / MORNINGTON PENINSULA — Peninsula Health is advocating for a comprehensive, “whole-person” approach to tackling homelessness, warning that housing alone is not enough to prevent vulnerable people from returning to the streets.
Recent data shows more than 948 individuals sought support through independently funded homeless services across the Mornington Peninsula in 2024–25, with at least 110 people recorded as homeless as of 30 June 2025 — and 75% of these were sleeping rough in tents, cars or foreshore reserves. Women, youth and people over 55 are among those most at risk.
Last week, the nation marked Homelessness Week (4–10 August 2025) under the theme “Homelessness Action Now”, highlighting both the rising scale of the crisis and the need for urgent, coordinated action.
Against this backdrop, Peninsula Health’s Homelessness and Health Outreach Service — operating across Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula — has stressed the importance of integrated health, housing and social support.
Frontline worker Melissa explained:
“Our team do not just find suitable housing for clients and say see you later. We work alongside them in that period to sustain the housing long term. This would include addressing the reasons why they faced homelessness, whether that be mental health conditions, medical issues or social concerns.”
One recent case involved Anthony, a stroke patient who was evicted and faced life on the streets. While in hospital, staff worked quickly to secure him a rooming-house placement and connect him with NDIS, dental and optical care, and a neuropsychologist. Anthony said:
“I wouldn’t have been able to do it if it wasn’t for Mel … That was a help … Now I’m getting back on my feet.”
Nationally, the crisis is deepening. An extra 10,000 Australians are becoming homeless each month — a 22 per cent increase over three years — with rents climbing about 29 per cent in real terms. The “working homeless” — people who are employed but unable to afford secure housing — are now an increasing proportion of those seeking help.
Locally, initiatives such as Mornington Peninsula Zero are adopting a “Functional Zero” model, maintaining a real-time “By Name List” of people sleeping rough to ensure rapid, targeted housing responses and long-term support.
Peninsula Health says its program’s success comes from addressing the underlying causes of homelessness — not just providing a bed. As Melissa put it:
“This is about helping people rebuild their lives — and that takes time, care, and the right support.”
