Homelessness
If you're homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, you can find a safe place to stay, get a free meal, have a shower or do your laundry.
You can get help from services in the ACT that help people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
They can support you with the help you need right now and to plan for the long term.
Housing services
FIRST Canberra
FIRST Canberra is the ACT Government’s homelessness intake service. It’s your starting point if you need housing and support services.
FIRST Canberra will work with you to:
- understand your situation
- Youth Housing Support Services
- connect you with services that best meet your needs.
- help you understand your options.
Call
1800 176 468
Email
actcis@salvationarmy.org.au
Opening hours
Monday to Friday: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 12:30 pm to 5:00 pm
Public holidays: Closed
Website
FIRST Canberra
Free meals and food
Early Morning Centre
Free breakfast served weekdays.
Monday to Friday: 7:30 am to 8:30 am
Canberra City Uniting Church
Northbourne Avenue, Canberra City
Blue Door Drop-in Centre
Drop in for a coffee and talk with one of the friendly volunteers.
Monday to Friday: 8:00 am to 1:30 pm
Hot lunch served at 12:00 pm
Ainslie Village
23 Quick St, Campbell
The Roadhouse
Dinner every day except Friday.
Monday and Wednesday: 3:00 pm to 5.45 pm
Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday: 4:00 pm to 5.45 pm
Griffin Centre
Genge Street, Canberra City
Call 02 6234 7600
Vinnie's Night Patrol
Sandwiches, snacks, tea and coffee served from 2 vans at multiple locations.
Visit Vinnies website for locations
Healthcare
Chat to Pat mobile clinic
The Chat to Pat mobile clinic has GPs, mental health and drug and alcohol counsellors.
Visit the Chat to Pat website for locations
Early Morning Centre
Alcohol and drug counselling, health support and help for your pets.
Monday to Friday: 9:00 am to 11:30 am
Community Hub facilities open 9:00 am to 2:00 pm weekdays and 9:00 am to 1:00 pm weekends.
Free clothing, blankets and personal care
Vinnie's Night Patrol
Warm clothing, blankets and sleeping bags. They can also give you soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes and other personal care products.
Visit Vinnies website for locations.
Showers and laundry
You can get free showers and free laundry services at locations around the ACT.
Free mobile laundry
Orange Sky free mobile laundry travels to locations around the ACT and Queanbeyan. Times and locations change, so check online for free mobile laundry locations.
Free showers
Check the Free Meal Laundry Shower guide on the Volunteering ACT website.
Domestic and family violence support services
If you're experiencing domestic, family or sexual violence, you can get help to find somewhere to stay or support to stay safe at home.
There are also services that can help you if you're experiencing financial hardship, including financial abuse.
Find domestic and family violence support services.
Help with renting
You can get:
- help to keep your rental home from the Supportive Tenancies Service
- help to manage your debt from Care Financial Counselling Service
- legal advice Legal Aid or Canberra Community Law.