NT Shelter is a peak body and advocacy organisation and does not provide accommodation services.
Our Strategy
NT Shelter is a non-government, not-for-profit incorporated association that provides peak body services to its members across the Northern Territory.
Our board of up to 11 independent directors oversee the strategic direction and governance of the organisation. Board members are appointed for three-year terms and are proven, successful leaders of member organisations across the housing and homelessness sector. Together, they contribute a wealth of knowledge and experience of the housing and homelessness system through a Northern Territory lens.
Our team of four staff are located in Darwin and Alice Springs and are highly engaged, dedicated professionals committed to making a real difference to the housing outcomes of Territorians, particularly those who are disadvantaged in the housing market.
Our Vision
Our Purpose
In consultation with and on behalf of our members, we advocate to reduce homelessness in the Northern Territory and increase access to appropriate, affordable, and accessible housing by influencing government policy, encouraging sector and government accountability, and growing public awareness of unmet housing need, especially for people on low incomes.
Our Principles
- We have a Territory-wide focus
- We are a strong voice for all our members
- We support the right of Aboriginal communities to regain control of their housing
- We promote consumer rights
- We remind all that housing is a human right
- We support stronger rights for renters
Our Strategic Objectives
NT Shelter’s 2024-2027 Strategic Plan is based on action across four key areas:
Engagement and Advocacy
- In consultation with our members, influencing policy makers in the decision and implementation of housing policies
- Drive informed and innovative solutions for appropriate, affordable, and accessible housing and homelessness
- Expanding the housing and homelessness evidence base for our members and stakeholders
- Engaging regularly with members and partners including the business community, investors, government agencies
- Actively supporting the needs of our sector and building consensus with members on what is needed to drive equitable housing outcomes in the NT
- Clearly communicating calls-to-action in our messaging to government and in the public arena
- Strengthen our advocacy impact by analysing data, trends and evidence in respect to appropriate, affordable and accessible housing
- Strengthening the partnership between government and out sector to deliver effective housing outcomes.
Sector Consultation (Alignment), Collaboration and Coordination
- Deeply understand the operating environment and challenges of our members
- Increase opportunities for frontline housing and homelessness organisations to increase participation in reform and program design with government
- Build effective collaboration mechanisms between government and non-government organisations
- Through extensive listening and consultation, further build sector support and alignment to our advocacy and messaging
- Bring the sector together to collaborate on best practice, education and learning, and policy development
- Ensure that the evidence base that underpins our advocacy is clear, compelling and accessible for members, enabling greater consistency in articulating what is needed.
Research and Information Gathering for Benefit of Members
- Engaging in research, networking and idea sharing with others (including other peak bodies)
- Build organisational knowledge and capability through participation in external networks, knowledge transfer, conferences and research
- Compile and disseminate analysis, research and news updates for members through our newsletters, including relevant media content, best practice and innovation
- Optimise technology, including communications channels to build audience, reach, impact and awareness.
Grow the Capacity of the Sector
- Provide professional opportunities for members
- Keep the sector well informed through information exchanges, networking opportunities, briefings and special events
- Link members to training and education relating to housing, including introduction to innovation and best practice
- Build relationships with partners to broaden sector expertise
- Bring the sector together to collaborate on innovative solutions to our housing and homelessness challenges.