Homelessness Action Now | 3-9 August
Homelessness Week (3–9 August) is a national week of awareness and action that shines a spotlight on homelessness and the urgent need for lasting housing solutions. Coordinated by Homelessness Australia, this year’s theme – Homelessness Action Now – reflects the need for immediate action to address the housing crisis and ensure everyone has a safe, secure and affordable home.
Throughout the week, organisations across Australia will host events, share resources and advocate for the changes needed to end homelessness. Here in the ACT, ACT Shelter is proud to support and promote activities taking place throughout the week. This page brings together events, resources and opportunities to get involved, helping to strengthen community understanding, challenge misconceptions and build momentum for change.
New from ACT Shelter
During Homelessness Week we’ll be releasing two new resources on homelessness in the ACT:
● An updated factsheet and snapshot of homelessness in the ACT, drawing on the latest data
● A briefing calling for mandatory coronial reporting of homelessness deaths – so no one dies unseen and unnamed
Check back here during the week for both, hot off the press!
Get Involved: Events & Webinars
In the ACT
Havelock Memorial Vigil to Canberra’s Homeless — Monday 3 August, opening Homelessness Week
A simple, dignified gathering to remember Canberrans we have lost to homelessness, and to stand in solidarity with those still sleeping rough tonight. Hosted by Havelock Housing, Canberra’s oldest and largest community housing provider.
Toora’s 1982 Rewind Challenge — Thursday 6 August
Toora is marking 44 years helping women and children escaping family and domestic violence find safety and a place to call home. Join the 1982 Rewind Challenge to help raise awareness and funds, by challenging yourself, a friend or colleague to dress in 80s gear, host an 80s-themed event, and/or share a vintage 80s pic of yourself.
Online, open to all of Australia
In Conversation with Minister Clare O’Neil — during Homelessness Week
Join Homelessness Australia for a conversation between CEO Kate Colvin and the Federal Minister for Housing and Homelessness on what’s next in the fight to end homelessness, chaired by Frances Crimmins (YWCA Canberra / Homelessness Australia Chair). The conversation will explore opportunities, challenges and reforms that will shape the years ahead, as well as the next Action Plan being developed under the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children.
Embedding Lived Experience: an Ask Me Anything webinar — Tuesday 4 August, 12:30–1:30pm (Zoom)
Council to Homeless Persons brings back its popular AMA, with a panel of lived experience experts answering your questions on why lived experience matters and how the sector can elevate it.
Housewell Agewell Podcast — new episodes throughout the week
Older people are experiencing the fastest-growing rate of homelessness in Australia. This new podcast on housing justice for older Australians shares a special series on older private renters just one rent increase or notice-to-vacate away from homelessness.
Listen at housewellagewell.com
Campaigns to Support
Everybody’s Home – Homelessness Week petition
During Homelessness Week, Everybody’s Home are calling on the Government to step up their investment in social housing in order to end homelessness. Lend your support to this important campaign by signing on to the Homelessness Week petition that urges the Federal Government to fund a pipeline of at least 25,000 new social and affordable homes every year.
Homelessness Australia Supporter Pack
Factsheets, draft letters and ready-made actions to help you take part, wherever you are.
Support the Count: Census Week Is Next
Homelessness Week falls just before the 2026 Census on 11 August – Australia’s most comprehensive source of data on homelessness, shaping housing policy and investment for years to come. People experiencing homelessness are among those most likely to be missed, so getting an accurate count matters.
🔗 Check out ACT Shelter’s Census 2026 page for further information and resources, including a recording of our recent online information session, and links to ABS resources and factsheets.
Join the Conversation
Help build awareness of Homelessness Week and this year’s events by sharing on social media using #HW2026.