Beyond housing: Supporting health, wellbeing and stability

Homelessness is a health issue as much as it is a housing issue. Rough sleeping is the most visible form of homelessness with around 6% of people experiencing homelessness sleeping rough. Many more people are couch surfing, sleeping in cars, staying in temporary accommodation, or living with ongoing uncertainty about where they will stay next and whether they will be safe.

As Homelessness Week 2026 wraps up, we keep moving forward with its theme, Homelessness Action Now. BHN recognises the importance of responding to homelessness through a strong health lens and by addressing the social determinants of health that shape wellbeing, including safe housing, income, education, social connection, access to care and ongoing support.

Across BHN, our services provide multiple touchpoints with people experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity across all life stages, from children, young people and families through to adults and older people. We are strengthening how people connect with the right care at the right time, whether that is primary health care, mental health support, alcohol and other drug services, family and youth services, health promotion, outreach, or partnerships that support housing stability and wellbeing.

Homelessness cannot be solved by one service or sector alone. It takes connected, compassionate and practical action that recognises the whole person and the conditions that shape their health.

At BHN, we are committed to working with our communities, partners and services to support people earlier, more holistically and across every stage of life.