The Opportunity

People experiencing homelessness often struggle to access timely and appropriate healthcare, leading to frequent Emergency Department presentations and poor health outcomes. Existing pathways are disconnected, making it difficult for clinicians and services to coordinate care effectively. By strengthening integration between healthcare, housing, and social services, we can improve patient outcomes, reduce system strain, and create a more coordinated, person-centred approach.

Our Approach

We are working to bridge the gap between healthcare, housing, and social support to ensure people experiencing homelessness receive the right care at the right time. This includes improving service coordination, creating clearer pathways to care and housing, and supporting clinicians with the tools and partnerships needed to deliver effective, person-centred care. Through collaboration, policy alignment, and workforce development, we aim to drive lasting, system-wide improvements.

Our Partners

• Central Adelaide Local Health Network (CALHN)
• Towards Home Alliance (THA)
• Australian Alliance to End Homelessness (AAEH)
• Australian Health, Housing & Homelessness Network (A3HN)

Outcomes

We’re imagining a system where…

• People experiencing homelessness can access the care they need—whether health, housing, or social support—in a timely, equitable, and coordinated way, reducing avoidable hospital visits and improving overall wellbeing.
• Healthcare services are accessible, responsive, and designed to meet people where they are, ensuring no one is left without appropriate support.
• Health, housing, and social services are better integrated, enabling a seamless approach to care and preventing people from falling through service gaps.

Documents and resources

Discovery Workshop: Homelessness to Health Report 21 Feb 2025

Have a question?

Or want to learn more? Please email CEIHUrgentandEmergentCare@​sa.​gov.​au.