How emergency accommodation works in Australia
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, over 280,100 people accessed specialist homelessness services in 2023–24. Whether you’re fleeing family violence, facing an eviction, or at risk of any form of homelessness, understanding how emergency housing works in Australia can be the first step toward safety and support.
As a trusted housing provider accommodation, Home In Place is here to help you navigate the system, know your options, and access the right support services.
In this clear guide, we explain what this temporary housing involves, who is eligible, how long you can stay, whether you have to pay, and what to do if you need help today.
What is emergency housing like?
Emergency housing provides short-term accommodation to people experiencing urgent housing issues, whether due to homelessness, domestic violence, financial hardship, or an unsafe living environment. It’s intended to be a safe place to stay while you explore more stable options.
In Australia, the type of emergency accommodation you receive depends on your needs and what’s available in your area. Some people are placed in purpose-built crisis centres with onsite staff and support services. Others may stay in motels, community-run housing, or shared living arrangements.
The level of support provided also varies. Some emergency housing options include around-the-clock staff, meals, access to caseworkers, and referrals to services such as counselling, healthcare, or financial support. Others may be more basic, but still serve as a crucial starting point in the journey towards a long-term home.
Although its experience can differ across providers and regions, emergency housing is always designed to be temporary, with the focus on meeting immediate needs and connecting people to long-term solutions.
Regardless of the setting, the goal is to offer safety, dignity, and stability at a time when people are most vulnerable.
How does emergency housing work?
In Australia, emergency housing is coordinated through a network of government-funded programs, housing providers, and other not-for-profit organisations.
This system is designed to respond quickly when someone finds themselves in crisis, whether that’s due to homelessness, escaping family violence, or facing sudden eviction.
You can reach out for help through various channels: Specialist Homelessness Services, domestic and family violence hotlines, community health teams, youth workers, or local councils. In some urgent situations, police, hospitals or other emergency services may also step in to help with a placement.
From there, a support worker will speak with you to understand your circumstances — including any safety concerns, immediate needs, or vulnerabilities — and help determine what kind of accommodation and support is most appropriate. If emergency housing is needed, they’ll refer you to an available option in your area.
Once placed in emergency accommodation, you may also receive case management support to help you access income assistance, legal advice, mental health services, or long-term housing pathways.
Emergency housing across most states and territories is delivered in line with the National Housing and Homelessness Agreement (NHHA). This national framework guides how governments and service providers respond to housing needs, while allowing for flexibility based on local resources and challenges.
Who is eligible for emergency housing?
Emergency housing in Australia is available to anyone who is in immediate need of safe shelter due to a personal crisis.
This may include those experiencing homelessness, individuals or families fleeing domestic or family violence, people facing eviction with nowhere else to go, or anyone living in a situation that puts their safety or well-being at risk.
Importantly, eligibility is evaluated based on urgency and vulnerability, with certain groups being prioritised due to the heightened risks they face.
These include women and children escaping violence, young people who cannot safely remain at home, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, older Australians without support, and people with complex health or disability needs.
While each state and territory may have slightly different eligibility guidelines or processes, the overall goal is the same: to ensure that people who urgently need a safe place to stay can access it without unnecessary barriers.
How long can you stay in emergency housing?
The length of time you can live in emergency housing depends on your personal situation, safety needs, and the availability of accommodation in your area. Some people stay for just a few nights, while others may need support for several weeks.
Those escaping family violence, for example, may require extra time to arrange new housing, legal protections, and support services. Others may be ready to move on sooner if they find suitable housing and their circumstances allow.
Ultimately, emergency accommodation providers aim to help people move into a more permanent home as soon as it’s practical, but we also recognise that stability takes time. A caseworker or support service can work with you to explore your options, ensuring you’re never left navigating this system alone.
How much is emergency accommodation?
The cost of emergency accommodation in Australia depends on the type of housing provided, the urgency of your situation, and the organisation supporting your placement.
You may be asked to make a small contribution if you have an income, but this is typically assessed on a case-by-case basis.
In many cases, especially when the accommodation is arranged through a government or community housing provider, the cost is reduced significantly or waived altogether to ensure people in crisis aren’t turned away.
Centrelink can sometimes assist through Crisis Payments, income support advances, or other emergency relief options — especially for people fleeing family violence, experiencing homelessness, or facing other extreme hardship.
However, access to these payments usually requires an application and eligibility check, and it’s helpful to speak with a support worker or housing provider to guide you through this process.
The aim is always to balance financial sustainability with compassion, ensuring that cost doesn’t become a barrier to safety and stability.
If you are experiencing a housing crisis, don’t let concerns about money stop you from reaching out. There is help available.
What to do if you need emergency housing
If you’re facing a crisis and urgently need a place to stay, there is always help available. That said, knowing where to begin can feel overwhelming.
While exact requirements may differ by state or territory, the general process is designed to quickly connect you with safe, temporary shelter when you need it most.
Follow the below steps to get started:
1. Get in touch with a support service
Call a local housing service or homelessness support organisation in your area. If you’re not sure who to contact, the Homelessness Gateway line (1800 152 152) operates in most Australian states and can connect you to nearby services based on your situation.
2. Complete an assessment
A trained support worker will ask questions to understand your immediate needs, personal safety, living situation, and any other urgent factors. As mentioned above, this helps determine the right type of emergency accommodation and any extra support you may require.
3. Receive a referral to emergency housing
Based on the assessment, you’ll be referred to available temporary accommodation in your area. This can include crisis centres, motels, or supported housing, depending on nearby vacancies and your family circumstances.
4. Access support services
Once housed, you may be connected with additional assistance to help stabilise your living situation, such as case management, Centrelink support, health services, counselling, or legal aid.
5. Work toward a long-term housing solution
Support workers will work closely with you to explore your options for transitional housing, public housing applications, or private rentals.
Find temporary emergency accommodation with Home In Place
Emergency temporary accommodation is a vital safety net for many people, providing shelter, support, and breathing space when life becomes dangerous or uncertain. Now that you know how emergency housing works, you can take the first step toward rebuilding a safer, more stable future.
At Home In Place, we work closely with housing and community services to help you move forward.
Get in touch with our team for more information today.
