The SA Housing Trust continues to support South Australians sleeping rough and transition out of homelessness through our specialised, and award nominated, support programs.

Program participants, Nick, Mary and Nick, recently shared their experiences with our media team. Each has faced challenges that led to periods of homelessness.

Through our Holbrooks Homelessness Program (HHP), which operates within the Integrated Homelessness Program (IHP) team, the trio received tailored housing and support designed to address their needs. This includes access to health services, life-skills programs and practical assistance to help them stabilise and plan for the future.

Nick (pictured right) has now successfully completed the program and moved into ongoing public housing, while both Mary and Nick (centre and left) are progressing well and on track to finish the program soon.

The program runs for three months and delivers positive outcomes for participants and the broader community, while also reducing pressure on other government services. Since its current version began in late 2023, more than 100 people have taken part, with 88 per cent moving into long‑term tenancies with the Trust.

This program is one of two specialised homelessness supports offered by the Trust. People can access these programs through engagement and referral from homelessness service providers, and there is no requirement for applicants to be on the public housing waitlist to be considered.

Nick, Mary and Nick all say the program has significantly improved their lives.

“Having a roof over my head and knowing I have stable housing has kept me grounded and helped me work on the challenges I’m facing,” says Nick (left).

The trio also share a strong desire to give back. Each of them is either already working as, or studying to become, a support worker so they can help other South Australians facing homelessness and hardship.

The strength of the program has also been recognised externally. The Holbrooks Homelessness Program has been named a finalist in the 2025 Public Sector Excellence Awards, a testament to the dedication and impact of the IHP team and the people they support.