Our Work
NT Shelter’s work, as the peak body for affordable housing and homelessness, involves research and policy development, advocacy and communications, sector consultation and coordination, and capacity building. We represent and promote the important work and interests of our members across the affordable housing and homelessness sector with a view to achieving better outcomes for Territorians without access to appropriate and affordable housing. We are also responsible for delivery of the Homelessness Response Group (HRG), the ShelterME website, and other activities as reported in our Annual reports.
Our principal activities are:
Through initiatives including our Accommodation Action Groups (AAGs), we engage with our members, stakeholders and the broader community to promote awareness, determine priorities, identify solutions and advocate for improved outcomes for people at risk of or experiencing homelessness. We keep a close watch on rental affordability for low to moderate income earners and identify, in consultation with our member network, necessary supply and policy responses to overcome affordable housing shortfalls.
2. Engagement with Government
NT Shelter provides informed perspective to government through various avenues, including direct representation through steering groups, meetings and submissions.
We continue to advocate strongly for improved outcomes for those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, as well as opportunities to increase the supply of affordable housing. NT Shelter meets regularly with Commonwealth, Territory and Local Government elected and non-elected officials to ensure that the issues of affordable housing and homelessness are understood and given the necessary attention in annual budgets and national partnership agreements.
3. Contribution to housing policy
As the peak body for affordable housing and homelessness, regular engagement with members and stakeholders across the Northern Territory enables consideration of the current needs, priorities, issues, and opportunities from the perspective of those working on the frontline.
4. ShelterMe Website
The Shelter Me website contains up to date information about accommodation and services throughout the NT, including crisis, transitional, short term, low cost and support accommodation. It also provides details on other support services such as emergency relief funds, legal help, alcohol and other drugs, mental health services, food and meals and much more.
5. Challenging community perceptions of homelessness
The dominant public perception of homelessness does not reflect the diverse reality of homelessness in the Northern Territory. NT Shelter is working to challenge these perceptions and minimise discrimination against people experiencing homelessness
6. Homelessness Response Group (HRG)
NT Shelter regularly collaborates with a broad range of local service providers and the Department of Housing to enable improved case management processes and outcomes for clients, particularly those with complex needs.
| Image | Date | Title | Document Link | Categories |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | July 21, 2021 | HRG Brochure (current at July 2021) | Homeless Response Group | |
 | September 25, 2018 | HRG Assessment Tool Current to June 2019 | Homeless Response Group | |
| September 25, 2018 | HRG Operations Manual Current to June 2019 | Homeless Response Group |