Homelessness research

This report provides findings on a research study undertaken in relation to the MISHA project over its first three years of operation. The research study was led by Paul Flatau from the University of Western Australia and included Kaylene Zaretzky of the University of Western Australia, Elizabeth Conroy, Marina Athanassios and Marlee Bower of the University of Western Sydney, and Lucy Burns and Tony Eardley of the University of New South Wales.

The MISHA project provided housing support and wrap around services to a group of 74 men who, prior to entering the project, were chronically homeless. The project was provided by Mission Australia and was made possible by philanthropic funding. This study examines housing outcomes, and the costs and benefits associated with achieving these outcomes.

Preliminary results from these 12 month findings have also shown that 97% cent of the men were able to maintain tenancies over a twelve month period, effectively breaking the cycle of homelessness for nearly all of them.

This snapshot draws on key research findings and an exploratory study by a family homeless network to identifying why children become homeless and the impact of it has on them.

This publication reports on findings from research into a nationally significant service innovation, The Michael Project, and adds to the evidence policy-makers and practitioners can draw on.