Featured Leader: Sharon Callister on Empowering Change in Housing & Homelessness

Mission Australia CEO Sharon Callister, is at the forefront of a transformative movement in housing and homelessness across Australia.  

Under Callister’s leadership, Mission Australia has not only maintained but expanded its critical services, reaching approximately 150,000 clients last year through 463 diverse programs. These initiatives span the length and breadth of the country, embodying the charity’s commitment to aiding those at their most vulnerable moments. 

Third Sector sat down with Callister to address the urgent issues of housing and homelessness.  

“if you’re wanting to end homelessness anywhere, you can’t do that without a supply of housing,” said Callister.  

The community housing and community services provider highlighted that there is a 26% increase in demand for their homelessness and housing services, however Mission Australia and other homelessness services are only able to find a secure long-term home for a third of people experiencing homelessness.

“If we put more investment into early intervention and prevention, it is so successful as opposed to looking at the supply side of things.”

Related: Opinion: Mission Australia’s Homelessness Impact Report reveals rising demand for services