The links to the services are underlined.
Please let us know if any of the information provided on this page is out-of-date or links are broken –comms@actshelter.net.au
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
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).
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
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.
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.
Free legal advice on a range of tenancy matters – 1300 402 512
Other renting support
The Tenancy Assistance Program (TAP) helps individuals and families at risk of losing their homes due to financial hardship, mental health challenges, domestic violence, or other complex issues.
TAP provides tailored, wrap-around support stabilising tenancies and mortgages, focusing on early intervention and prevention. Their aim is to address the root causes of housing instability before they escalate, offering services that promote long-term housing security and resilience. This includes support for individuals in private rentals, public housing, and those seeking to establish tenancies.
Phone referral through FIRST Canberra – 1800 176 469. Or go to their website for walk-in service details.
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.
Housing related counselling and support and advocacy to assist older people in the ACT to access appropriate housing options or sustain their current housing.
ACT Government Services
Contact page for ACT Government services related to housing.
Contact page for ACT Government housing (Housing ACT), community housing and support services. Includes application information for public and community housing as well as information for Housing ACT tenants.
Links and information about renting laws, bonds and support for tenants and landlords. Go to the page or click on the links below for rental laws and resources including:
- Understanding the rental laws,
- The Renting Book,
- Minimum standards for rental housing,
- Things to check and do:
- support services proving help
ACT CIVIL AND ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL (ACAT)
Rental property disputes. ACAT resolves and decides disputes involving a tenancy agreement (lease) or occupancy agreement. This includes termination or agreements, bond disputes, evictions, co-tenancies, pets in properties, rent increases, repairs and compensation.
Government customers and regulatory services in the ACT.
Over 450 services including noise management, consumer rights, motor vehicle registration renewal, payment of rates and management of traffic and parking infringements.
Access Canberra also regulates a range of industries within the ACT, including building, environment protection, fair trading, liquor, and transport.
You can phone 13 22 81
Other support services and directories
A service delivery hub for new and recently arrived refugees and migrants to settle in to the ACT and surrounding regions.
An Aboriginal community controlled primary health care service operated by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community of the ACT.
Connecting Young People to Services in the ACT
Shelter bodies around Australia
Housing policy and research
