Anyone can experience homelessness, no matter their background or where they live. People do not choose to be homeless, and it does not define who they are.
What is homelessness?
Someone is considered to be experiencing homelessness when they do not have a safe, stable, and secure place to call home. It can be the result of many complex social, economic and health–related factors.
Homelessness can include rough sleeping (sleeping outside), sleeping in a car, couch surfing, needing access to short-term or emergency accommodation, or living in places that are overcrowded or where you do not have a secure or legal right to stay.
Who we support
We fund services that support people who are:
- Experiencing homelessness, or
- at risk of homelessness — for example, someone who still has a home but may lose it soon.
Helping people early is called homelessness prevention or diversion. Our goal is to keep all South Australians safe, connected and with a place to call home.
How we work
We work in partnership with the homelessness sector across South Australia to:
- Commission and support specialist homelessness services that connect people with the right support, in the right place, at the right time
- Lead system coordination through the Homelessness Systems and Partnerships Unit
- Provide 24 hours a day, 7 days a week support through Homeless Connect SA. Phone 1800 003 308.
Homelessness Systems Review
In July 2024, the Auditor-General released a report outlining several recommendations to improve the effective management of homelessness services in South Australia.
Report of the Auditor-General - Report 8 of 2024 - Managing homelessness services
In response, the Department of Human Services (DHS) will lead a comprehensive review of all homelessness services it commissions, starting in mid-2025. The Homelessness Systems Review will provide recommendations on commissioning a specialised service response for people at risk of and experiencing homelessness. It will assess and provide recommendations on the commissioning methodology and models for homelessness services in South Australia.
The review also aligns with South Australia’s Implementation Plan for the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. Recommendations are due by mid-2026.
Contact the Homelessness Systems and Partnerships Unit
Email dhshomelessnesssystemspartnerships@sa.gov.au
Media enquiries
If you are a member of the media with an enquiry about the department, please contact our media line directly.
Email dhsmedia@sa.gov.au
Phone 8413 9049
Related information
Find public data and research sources about homelessness on the Homelessness data and advocacy page.
Find information about outcomes and reporting on the Homelessness Outcomes Framework page.