Australia’s housing crisis is increasingly recognised as a wellbeing and mental health issue — not just a shortage of homes. National data released in 2025 shows that prolonged housing stress is linked to worsening mental health outcomes. At the same time, Australian research shows that people living with mental health challenges are more likely to experience housing insecurity, and that unstable housing can further undermine wellbeing and recovery. This bi‑directional relationship highlights why effective responses must go beyond housing alone.
Supporting people along the housing continuum
Flourish Australia delivers housing‑linked and community‑based supports that respond to different stages of housing insecurity — from prevention and early intervention to longer‑term support for independent living.
Housing and Accommodation Support Initiative (HASI)
HASI supports people with mental health challenges to live and recover in the community. While housing is not provided directly, the program helps people find, establish and sustain housing by supporting:
- Wellbeing and recovery
- Daily living skills
- Coordination of services and supports
- Participation in community life
These supports are key to maintaining tenancies and reducing the risk of homelessness.
Supported Independent Living (SIL)
For people who need more intensive day‑to‑day support, Flourish Australia delivers Supported Independent Living through the NDIS. SIL provides shared living environments with tailored, recovery‑oriented support to help participants:
- Build independence and confidence
- Develop everyday life skills
- Stay connected to their communities
Women and Children’s Program
Flourish Australia also delivers the Women and Children’s Program, providing supported accommodation and outreach for mothers parenting with lived experience who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The program offers integrated support across:
- Wellbeing and mental health
- Parenting and family safety
- Daily living skills
- Pathways to longer‑term housing stability
When housing isn’t immediately available
When suitable housing is not immediately available, Flourish Australia teams provide practical, low‑barrier support, including:
- Access to essential items
- Safe storage for belongings
- Laundry facilities
- Connections to local services
These supports reduce immediate hardship, build trust and create pathways to housing, health, income, education or employment support when people are ready.
Working together for better outcomes
Flourish Australia partners with local services, housing providers and government agencies to promote coordinated “no wrong door” approaches, helping people access support without navigating fragmented systems alone.
Evidence shows housing stability is more likely when responses include early engagement, flexible psychosocial supports, recovery‑oriented housing options, specialist family supports and strong cross‑sector collaboration. Ultimately, homelessness responses are most effective when people are supported as individuals.
How Flourish Australia can help
Flourish Australia supports people with lived experience to move beyond crisis, strengthen independence and build lives of connection and purpose.
Call 1300 779 270 to learn more about available support.
Talk to us today
For more information, contact us on 1300 779 270 or make an enquiry now.
