The Australian Alliance to End Homelessness initiative, Advance to Zero (AtoZ) secures the World Habitat Award.
The Australian Alliance to End Homelessness (AAEH) is celebrating a major victory after their Advance to Zero (AtoZ) initiative secured a prestigious World Habitat Award, presented annually in partnership with UN-Habitat. This international recognition highlights the transformative work being done across Australian communities to end homelessness, starting with rough sleeping.
The award comes at a critical juncture as homelessness in Australia threatens to spiral into a full-blown crisis. While the Albanese Government has made positive strides in housing investment, there’s a critical need for more funding and reforms specifically targeted at ending homelessness. State governments have also fallen short in providing adequate resources for proven solutions.
However, amidst these challenges, local communities have risen to the occasion, and their efforts are being acknowledged on the world stage. The AtoZ initiative was chosen as one of nine winners out of 111 applicants from 55 countries, showcasing its impact and potential for global replication.
“This award is a tremendous honour for the entire AtoZ movement,” said David Pearson, CEO of AAEH. “It brings global focus to our efforts of ending homelessness, starting with rough sleeping. This recognition will inspire hope, motivate communities to persevere, and reinforce the fact that homelessness can be eradicated in Australia.”
Pearson emphasised the need for increased government investment to support the collaborative Housing First approach championed by AtoZ, as well as funding for permanent supportive housing – a critical element in ending homelessness. He highlighted the importance of the Albanese Government’s upcoming National Housing and Homelessness Plan having the ambition to definitively end homelessness, not just manage it.
The win resonated with key AtoZ partners and participating communities, with representatives expressing their pride and hope for the future.
Quotes from Key Partners:
- George Hatvani (Launch Housing, VIC): “Advance to Zero demonstrates that change is possible through data-driven, community-led approaches.”
- Mark Phillips (End Street Sleeping Collaboration, NSW): “The Award reflects the strength of partnerships and unwavering commitment to a future where homelessness is rare, brief and non-recurring.”
- Michala McMahon (Western Australian Alliance to End Homelessness): “This award celebrates the dedication of everyone involved in creating change and inspiring hope for the future.”
- Paulina Tapia (Brisbane Zero Coordinator, QLD): “This award acknowledges the dedication and impact of Zero initiatives in preventing, reducing and ending homelessness.”
- Jackie Galloway OAM (Frankston Mornington Peninsula Zero, VIC): “Frankston and Mornington Peninsula Zero welcomes this recognition of our collaborative response to end homelessness.”
- David Ireland (Director of World Habitat): “AtoZ proves that communities are best placed to drive local solutions – they just need the tools and support from government.”
The AtoZ Solution
Australia faces a homelessness crisis, with over 122,000 people lacking a permanent home. This disproportionately affects First Nations people, who make up 20% of the homeless population. AtoZ tackles these challenges by empowering local communities to implement evidence-based solutions.
The initiative works closely with local organisations to create actionable plans, track individuals experiencing homelessness, and leverage data to drive change. Since its inception, AtoZ has housed over 4,000 people and expanded its reach to 29 partner communities.
A Call to Action
The World Habitat Award win underscores the critical role of community-led initiatives in ending homelessness. However, to achieve lasting change, AAEH urges all levels of government to step up their support with increased funding and a national plan with a clear goal of eradication, not just management, of homelessness.
Also read: Homelessness crisis deepens: Urgent call for action
Milton writes as both an occupation and a hazard. He also works on the newsletters you see on Tuesday and Thursday with articles you should find interesting.
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