Chronic Homelessness in Melbourne: Third-Year Outcomes of Journey to Social Inclusion Phase 2 Study Participants

Journey to Social Inclusion (J2SI) Phase 2 was a 3-year intensive program to address chronic homelessness in Melbourne. This report presents the outcomes achieved by participants in the J2SI Phase 2 research study over the 2016-2019 time period. The report also presents an economic analysis of the J2SI Phase 2 program, comparing the cost of delivering the program against the impact of the program on government costs arising from participant interaction with the health and justice systems. The J2SI program’s key objective was to house those experiencing chronic homelessness. This objective was achieved. Participants in the J2SI Phase 2 program achieved rapid transition into permanent housing (public and community rental housing and private rental housing). They also maintained that housing in the vast majority of cases for the duration of the program. J2SI program participants also achieved positive outcomes in a number of other outcome domains to varying degrees such as mental health and wellbeing, social connectedness, and economic participation.