We supported people experiencing homelessness with chronic health issues by providing a welcoming and safe environment.

In partnership with St Vincent’s Health Melbourne and Launch Housing, we repurposed our Sumner House building in Fitzroy, Melbourne, to help people experiencing homelessness with chronic health issues to self-isolate and/or recover from the effects of COVID-19.

This integrated health and housing model saw BSL provide and maintain the facility and provide practice development support, while St Vincent’s Health provided clinical staff and Launch Housing provided housing support staff. Those who were admitted were provided with care that addressed clinical, medical, health, well-being, social, life skills and housing tenancy needs through an integrated team approach, drawing on the expertise of the partners involved in this initiative.

From its opening in April 2020 through to 30 June 2021, there were 207 residents in total, 52 of whom were COVID-19 positive.

Of the former residents, 14 are now permanently housed, while others are engaged with supports to achieve this goal.

There was zero resident-to-resident transmission of COVID-19 and no staff acquired COVID-19 at Sumner House despite the high-risk nature of the work.

We are pleased that for most people helped in our Sumner House facility, their stay was a positive experience, with staff ensuring that a welcoming and safe environment was provided.

Results from a feedback survey of Sumner House residents revealed that 81% felt safe and 88% reported getting enough help with their health needs.

We would like to acknowledge the significant strength of the partnership that was formed - one we hope to build on in the future.