Port Phillip Zero

Everyone deserves a home

We believe that having a safe place to live is a basic human right. Being homeless, especially sleeping on the streets, can seriously harm a person’s health and wellbeing. 

What is Port Phillip Zero?

Port Phillip Zero is a team effort between the local Council, community groups, and the people who live here. We work together to create more housing and help people who are sleeping rough. 

Our main goal is to end street homelessness in the City of Port Phillip. We want to give people safe, long-term homes and the support they need, like help with mental health or alcohol and drug issues. This is called a “housing first” approach, which means we focus on getting people into permanent homes first, then providing extra support. 

How are we doing it?

We’re working together to:

• Increase the number of homes for people who are sleeping rough.
• Use a service model called “Functional Zero.”

What does Functional Zero mean?

Functional Zero means that, in any given month, fewer people are becoming homeless than the number of people we’re able to house over six months. If we can reach this point and keep it going, we’ll have ended street homelessness in our area.

Who is involved?

Many local organisations are part of Port Phillip Zero, including:

What is the by-name list?

The by-name list keeps track of every person we know who is sleeping rough, in their car, or in abandoned buildings. We try to know each person by name and understand what help and housing they need.

Is it working?

Yes. From February 2022 to February 2024, rough sleeping in the City of Port Phillip dropped by 40%. 

How can you help? 

If you see someone who might be homeless, let us know so we can reach out and offer support. 

Send us a message on My Port Phillip.

Phone: 03 9209 6777

If someone is in danger or needs urgent help, call 000.