Homelessness services

Ballarat’s single-entry point for housing and crisis support is operated by Uniting Ballarat. Uniting is backed by a network of local services that share support, housing and brokerage resources.

If you, or someone you know, are experiencing homelessness (or in need of housing support):

Uniting Vic.Tas Ballarat
Hours: Monday to Friday (9am to 5pm)
Phone: (03) 5332 1286
To see a housing worker in person: 105 Dana Street, Ballarat 

Statewide after hours service:

Crisis & emergency accommodation
Hours: 5pm to 9am, Monday to Friday and 24 hours on weekends and public holidays
Phone: 1800 825 955 (free call) or (03) 9536 7777

Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre
Hours: 24 hours
Phone: 1800 015 188 (free call)

Uniting Ballarat’s assertive outreach program, Street2Home, supports rough sleepers to access services and advocates on their behalf to secure long-term accommodation.

Street2Home
Phone: (03) 5332 1286
Email: ballarat.s2h@vt.uniting.org

City of Ballarat is a proud supporter of the Ballarat Zero Project, a three-year pilot initiative launched in January 2025 that is designed to address homelessness in Ballarat and the Central Highlands region. Led by the Central Highlands Homelessness Alliance (CHHA) and Uniting, the project brings together community stakeholders to create a sustainable system to end rough sleeping homelessness using the Advance to Zero (A to Z) framework.

Find out more, visit Ballarat Zero Project

City of Ballarat Homelessness Protocol 2022 - a guide to City of Ballarat responses related to people experiencing homelessness in Ballarat.

• City of Ballarat does not have authority to move people on from a public space when sleeping rough.
• If City of Ballarat is alerted to an individual occupying a public space, we will notify Uniting Ballarat’s Street2Home team, who will conduct outreach to support the individual.

If at any time you are feeling unsafe (or have concerns for safety of others, anti-social behaviour, or criminal activity):

In an emergency, always call Triple Zero (000)

• If you can see something happening ‘right now’ or there is an unknown/suspicious vehicle in your area
• If someone was present when a burglary took place