Anchor is the first point of contact for people experiencing homelessness in the Shire of Yarra Ranges.
Our assistance ranges from information and referrals, to helping people transition to long-term, sustainable housing. We work with people wherever they are on their housing journey, including rough sleepers, people needing food assistance, and those seeking permanent accommodation.
Our services are available to people from all ages and stages of life. We also offer extra support to help people get back on track including additional service referrals.
You can help us continue to support some of our community’s most vulnerable people.
Anchor’s Homelessness Support Services provide case management to assist individuals and families to explore accommodation options which may include private rental, transitional accommodation and long term public housing.
Our service areas include:
| Chirnside Park | Mt Dandenong |
| Christmas Hills | Mt Evelyn |
| Coldstream | Silvan |
| Healesville | Wandin |
| Kalorama | Wandin East |
| Warburton | Wandin North |
| Launching Place | Warburton |
| Lilydale | Woori Yallock |
| Montrose | Yarra Glen |
| Mooroolbark | Yarra Junction |
Outreach
Outreach programs are designed to support people at risk or experiencing homelessness beyond the Anchor office walls. The aim is to engage people who may be disconnected or isolated from services in mainstream areas.
Anchor provides outreach services located in Healesville, Warburton and Yarra Junction for those who cannot attend our Lilydale office.
Opening Doors
The Opening Doors framework is part of the Victorian homelessness system. It works by offering access points based on your location, to help those in need find housing support. You can find you closest access point by calling 1800 825 955.
Alternatively, you can contact Anchor’s Homelessness Support team who may be able to assist you. Please call to arrange an appointment on 03 9760 6400.
Additional Support Services
For out of hours homelessness assistance please call
1800 825 955.
If you are experiencing family violence please contact Safe Steps on 1800 015 188.
For emotional support please call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
3 steps away from homelessness
A turning point
For many people, homelessness is unexpected and sudden. Research shows that in 2016–17, 46.4% of Anchor clients had not been homeless in the 6 months prior to accessing our services.
* AIHW Specialist Homelessness Services Report 2014–15, Victorian supplementary tables.
“I am now looking forward to continuing my education and setting goals for the future”
Jane* is a young woman who had been a victim of family violence and needed a new home. With Anchor’s assistance, she found and secured a private rental property, but needed assistance get herself set up.
Anchor’s Private Rental Brokerage provided rent in advance as well as some funding for basic household items. Additionally, the worker and Jane* visited the Eastern Emergency Relief Network and were given some furniture and linen. Jane* stated that she was very thankful to Anchor for the assistance provided and is now looking forward to continuing her education and setting goals for the future.
*Names have been changed to protect the identities.
In 2021-2022 Anchor supported:
8,202
nights of short term emergency accommodation457
people with short term or emergency accommodationUpcoming Event
Foster Care Week
Heart of Gold Celebrating and acknowledging foster carers and the important role they play in […]
Read More