05/05/2026
Homelessness Access Program
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People who experience homelessness die an average of 22 to 33 years younger than those who are housed. This group often faces complex health issues, including chronic illness, mental health conditions, and substance use disorders, yet they encounter multiple barriers to accessing timely, coordinated care.
Evidence shows that the effects of homelessness can be reversed by secure housing which leads to improved overall wellbeing, improved mental health and reduced rates of hospitalisation. In addition, health services play an important role in preventing and reducing the health impacts of homelessness by identifying risk factors and adopting early intervention approaches.
Homelessness in Gippsland continues to increase and is becoming more visible.
While every Gippsland Local Government Area (LGA) except Bass Coast and South Gippsland recorded an increase in the number of people accessing homelessness services over the past 10 years, Latrobe consistently had the highest number of service users.
Gippsland PHN have funded a pilot program in the Latrobe LGA, with a focus on improving equitable access to healthcare for people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness.
The Homelessness Access Program responds to this priority by helping to reduce barriers to service access and improve overall health and wellbeing through practical, person-centred support.
Breed Street Clinic - primary care delivery
Breed Street Clinic provides free primary healthcare services to people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness in the Latrobe LGA. Referrals can be made through homelessness or social support providers, Neighbourhood Houses, or individuals can self-present. Services are offered in clinic, via telehealth or through pop-up sessions at Neighbourhood Houses or other community organisations.
Website
• 37 Breed Street, Traralgon
Quantum Support Services - improved access and coordination of health care
Quantum Support Services are enhancing access to primary healthcare for people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness. Through dedicated care coordination, Quantum assists clients with booking healthcare appointments – including GP, allied health, disability, mental health, and Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) services – as well as arranging transport and providing brokerage support for medications and travel when needed.
Website
• 227 Princes Drive, Morwell
• 104-108 Raymond Street, Sale
• 36 Williams Street, Warragul
• 306 Main Street, Bairnsdale
Neighbourhood and Community Houses - facilitating telehealth appointments
Four Latrobe-based Neighbourhood and Community Houses have been equipped with private telehealth facilities through funding from Gippsland PHN’s Homelessness Access Program. These facilities are available free of charge to people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness, providing a safe and supportive space to access telehealth appointments with healthcare professionals. The initiative helps reduce barriers to primary healthcare for this vulnerable population by offering a safe, supportive environment and guidance to navigate available health services and resources.
Website
• Churchill Neighbourhood Centre, 9 Philip Parade, Churchill
• Moe Neighbourhood House, 1-11 James Street, Moe
• Morwell Neighbourhood House, 48-50 Beattie Crescent, Morwell
• Traralgon Neighbourhood Learning House, 11-13 Breed Street, Traralgon
Health on Wheels (HOW) - mobile outreach healthcare service
Health on Wheels is a mobile outreach healthcare service commissioned by Gippsland PHN and delivered by Gippsland Lakes Complete Health to support people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness in the Wellington and East Gippsland LGAs.
The service operates a fully equipped mobile clinic and delivers assertive, culturally safe and trauma-informed outreach, bringing healthcare directly to people in locations they already access, including known rough-sleeping sites and community hubs.
Service delivery model
• Three days per week operating as a mobile clinic across Wellington and East Gippsland
• Two days per week providing community-based outreach, including Neighbourhood Houses
The service is staffed by a Registered Nurse and a Homelessness Support Worker.
Services provided include:
• Health screening and pathology
• Wound care and chronic disease management
• Care coordination, advocacy and referrals
• Needle and syringe program
• Follow-up and linkage to ongoing health and social supports
• Access to digital health platforms, including online GPs, Virtual ED and specialist telehealth services
Improving access, reducing barriers
Through the Homelessness Access Program, Gippsland PHN is supporting more equitable access to healthcare by meeting people where they are, strengthening service coordination and working alongside community partners to address both health and social needs. The initiative helps reduce barriers to primary healthcare for this vulnerable population by offering a safe, supportive environment and guidance to navigate available health services and resources.
Homelessness Access Program - Gippsland Primary Health Network
