People can experience homelessness as an isolated event, for long periods of time or in cycles which are difficult to break from. Homelessness causes social exclusion and further disadvantage.

Social housing is a subsidised form of rental accommodation available to people who meet the eligibility criteria, which typically include having a low or very low income. Social housing is made up of public and community housing.

Aboriginal housing in the Northern Territory has changed significantly over the last eight years particularly the way it has been delivered and managed.  In the 1970s and 80s, many aboriginal housing organisations were set up to manage housing in communities as part of the push for self-determination.