Housing Links

For emergency accommodation – FIRST Canberra is the gateway giving access to over 40 individual homelessness services.

FIRST Canberra or call 1800 176 468.

Community Support services 

Domestic Violence Crisis Service 

Crisis intervention, legal support & advocacy, support programs, safety planning, support, advice and information. Click here for DVCS links and resources. Call 6280 0900 (24 hours).

Early Morning Centre (EMC)

A community hub  in the Canberra City Uniting Church building at 69 Northbourne Avenue, Canberra City. supporting Canberra people who are experiencing, or at risk of experiencing homelessness, and those experiencing social isolation.

For local homelessness support services who can help with food, clothing and more –  EMC links & resources

Legal advice

Canberra Community Law – Housing Law

Housing Law is a specialist service of Canberra Community Law providing free, independent and confidential legal help.  Housing Law can provide you with free legal advice if you are having problems with Housing ACT or a community housing provider in the ACT – (02) 6218 7900.

 Canberra Community Law – Street Law 

A free and confidential outreach legal service for people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.  Street Law provides legal advice and casework assistance and connects clients with other services.

Legal Aid – Tenancy Advice Service 

Free legal advice on a range of tenancy matters – 1300 402 512

Other renting support

Tenancy Assistance Program – Woden Community Service

The Tenancy Assistance Program (TAP) supports people who are at risk of housing instability due to financial hardship, mental health challenges, domestic violence, or other complex circumstances.

They provide practical, personalised support to help stabilise tenancies and prevent homelessness through early intervention.

The program includes:

• a weekly face-to-face walk in service
• TAP Tech Labs is a free drop-in service offering free computer access for all tenancy and rental tasks
• Advice on housing options and services in Canberra
• Advocacy with landlords, real estate agents, and lenders
• Help understanding leases, mortgages, and financial agreements
• Support attending ACAT hearings
• Referrals to legal, financial, and employment supports
• Connections to mental health, family, and life skills services

The Supportive Tenancy Service – Capital Region Community Services

Provides support, advocacy and referral for Canberrans, including public and private tenants and homeowners, to maintain their housing. The program supports people who are in housing stress or may be at risk of homelessness, regardless of the reason for their circumstances.

They also provide opportunities for tenants to expand knowledge, enhance skills, access resources and build connections to communities, to help manage issues that may be impacting their capacity to maintain long-term secure accommodation.

Common types of support include:

• sharing information and exploring ideas and options related to housing
• making referrals and connections to other services (including specialised legal and financial advice, youth and family support, and in-home care)
• accompanying tenants to hearings at the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (for support, not legal representation)
• negotiating with landlords and lenders
• advocating for tenants with other parties.
• STS works with people who have an existing tenancy.
• Phone: 02 6264 0200
• Email: families@crcs.com.au

YWCA Housing Support Services

• Next Door program.- If you are a single older woman age 50+ (or 45+ for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander women) and are homeless or in housing stress, 
• Affordable housing program – If you are a single woman in unstable housing or homeless,
• Transitional housing program – If you are a woman with dependent children (with or without a partner) and are in unstable housing or homeless.
• YWCA also provides an outreach service for homeless people. Workers can meet with people at a convenient place for them. Where they cannot provide direct support, they can people to an appropriate, alternative service.

Council on the Ageing Housing Options Advisory Service

• Housing related counselling and support and advocacy to assist older people in the ACT to access appropriate housing options or sustain their current housing.