2026-02-26

Win for people experiencing homelessness in South Australia

New funding strengthens Aspire Program

Hutt St Centre has welcomed an additional $2 million funding commitment from the Malinauskas Government to continue to deliver its life-saving specialist homelessness services.

Hutt St Centre has elected to commit the untied funding to the highly successful Aspire Program, enabling more people experiencing chronic homelessness to transition into long-term housing and stability.

The Government’s commitment of $2m over the next four years will help the Aspire Program to save the lives of 71 people experiencing chronic homelessness and return $3.2m in avoided costs to the South Australian taxpayer.

The Aspire Program provides intensive, long-term case management for people experiencing chronic homelessness. Through personalised, wraparound support, participants are assisted to secure housing, improve their health and wellbeing, and rebuild their lives with dignity.

Responding to growing demand

Hutt St Centre CEO Chris Burns said the additional funding comes at a critical time, with demand for homelessness support increasing by 42 per cent over the past four years, driven by the housing crisis and rising cost-of-living pressures.

“This funding comes at a critical time, with demand for homelessness support increasing by 42 per cent over the past four years.”

“This funding will enable Aspire to support an additional 71 people experiencing chronic homelessness into secure housing and improved wellbeing,” Mr Burns said.

“This funding will enable Aspire to support an additional 71 people each year to move from chronic homelessness and return $3.2M dollars to South Australian taxpayers in avoided services.”

A proven program delivering broader community benefits

Mr Burns said the benefits of Aspire extend well beyond housing outcomes, delivering positive impacts across health, justice and social service systems.

“This is a significant win not only for people experiencing homelessness, but for the broader community.”

Over the past eight years, the Aspire Program has had a transformative impact, helping to break the cycle of chronic homelessness and playing a vital role in efforts to end homelessness across South Australia.

Supporting people through cost-of-living pressures

“As the cost of living continues to rise across essentials such as housing, food, fuel and utilities, programs like Aspire remain essential in helping people sustain their housing, health and stability—particularly those at risk of falling into homelessness,” Mr Burns said.

Life-changing impact for participants

For Aspire participant Riley*, the program has been life-changing.

“From sleeping rough to now being in long-term housing and full-time work, my case navigator supported me every step of the way.”

“The program gave me a bright, positive future,” Riley said. “They were respectful, professional, and made me feel seen.”

Part of a broader support system

The Aspire Program complements the work of Hutt St Centre’s Wellbeing Centre, a critical frontline service providing more than 20 specialist supports, including meals, showers, laundry, medical care and case management.

Hutt St Centre looks forward to continuing to work in partnership with the Government to ensure the Aspire Program remains responsive and sustainable well into the future, as demand for support continues to grow.