Canberra Emergency Accommodation Service:call 6257 2333.

Phone us before you sit down with long lists of accommodation services to try. We can tell you whether there is any possibility of finding a bed in an appropriate crisis accommodation service for the night. We liaise daily with crisis accommodation services to update our information on availability of beds. If you are planning for the future, we can give you information on longer term supported accommodation and other support services.

Counselling.

This line is answered by lifeline's supportive and highly trained volunteer counsellors. They will help you explore issues and options related to your situation. This service is confidential and you can remain anonymous. Many callers ring to discuss issues related to homelessness such as:- relationships, financial problems and family problems.

Referral.

We have an extensive referral system with over 400 entries, so we can supply you with information and phone numbers for services you may need, such as:-
Men’s Women’s and Youth services
Health services
Pregnancy support
Financial counseling
Legal services
free food and other aid
Migrant support services
Indigenous support services and
Anglicare’s CEAS Brokerage Fund.

Sometimes there is no accommodation service with an available space for the caller. The telephone counsellor can help them to think through what resources they have and what they could do to keep safe for the night ( eg staying with friends, or borrowing money to stay in inexpensive hotels etc), as well as looking at what steps they might take to manage their future accommodation needs. Callers may be given information produced by the Citizen’s Advice Bureau of the ACT on inexpensive accommodation options in the ACT. Phone numbers for longer term accommodation services and ACT Housing may be given to the caller to phone for assessment and placement on waiting lists.