Homeless Services in Australia: Perceptions of Homelessness Services Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

ABSTRACT People who are homeless and at-risk have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Homelessness services are on the frontline of the pandemic response. Operating these services effectively in pandemic conditions is challenging. This article examines the perceptions of homelessness services workers about the impacts of, and responses to, the COVID-19 pandemic in homelessness services in Australia. A mixed-methods survey was distributed to homelessness services across Australia in June–July 2020. Fifty-nine services from all eight states and territories responded. Homelessness services workers discussed the impacts of COVID-19 and responses to the pandemic under the following six themes: (i) changes in the numbers of people seen, referred, and accommodated; (ii) immediate responses to the pandemic; (iii) the impact on staff hours, stress, and workload; (iv) use of service emergency and contingency plans; (v) effectiveness of service and government responses; and (vi) the future impacts on services. Respondents reported that although the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic were significant, services responded by actively changing delivery to meet needs and demands. Understanding the impacts of and responses to the pandemic is vital to informing the activities undertaken by homelessness services as they continue to operate in pandemic conditions and prepare for pandemic recovery. IMPLICATIONS Homelessness services are on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic response. The impacts of the pandemic on Australian homelessness services have been significant, and workers need support to maintain and expand upon their innovative responses. Understanding the impacts of and responses to the pandemic will inform activities undertaken by homelessness services workers, who continue to operate in pandemic conditions and prepare for pandemic recovery.