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Innovation

Innovation is at the core of our work. Through research, evaluation and continuous improvement, we ensure our services remain contemporary, creative, responsive and effective to end homelessness in Australia.
Elderly woman wearing glasses and smiling into the camera

Continuum of care

We know the ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach of the homelessness service system doesn’t work. Through our tailored and flexible service approach, called the Continuum of Care, we provide people with the right level of support, over the right period of time, based on their own individual and unique needs. With this innovative strategy, we drive better and faster housing outcomes for people experiencing chronic homelessness.

Man and his dog surrounded by moving boxes

Journey to Social Inclusion

In 2009, we launched one of Australia’s first and most effective housing-first programs combining a housing first approach with three years of support. Since then, the Journey to Social Inclusion (J2SI) program has proven to create both social and economic benefits to participants, government and the community. The Australian Government acknowledged our pilot program with a National Homelessness Services Award for excellence and innovation. The program also received a Council to Homeless Persons award for excellence in ending homelessness for adults. The J2SI​ Social Impact Investment ​is funded by an innovative, ​lower cost outcomes based financing structure bringing together government, philanthropy and an investor. The J2SI Payment by Results contract was the first of its kind for the Victorian Department of Families, Fairness and Housing.

Woman putting an arm over another woman's shoulder

J2SI Evaluation and Learning Centre

Through our J2SI Evaluation and Learning Centre, we make our proven Journey to Social Inclusion program available to homelessness services organisations nationally. The Centre supports homelessness agencies to replicate J2SI with other State and Territory Governments, giving vulnerable communities access to long-term support and housing to break the cycle of homelessness.

Leanne Lewis, General Manager People & Strategy

TICSPOT

To measure the difference we make to our clients, Sacred Heart Mission has developed an outcomes measurement tool, called TICSPOT. It enables us to gather data, review the effectiveness of our services and increase our impact. The tool also supports clients to set and achieve personal goals in areas such as housing, health and wellbeing or social and economic participation. TICSPOT has been validated and endorsed by the Centre for Social Impact at the University of Western Australia, setting the precedent for outcomes measurement across the homelessness services sector.

Models posing for the camera and wearing online op shop fashion

Online op shop

Sacred Heart Mission’s online store is at the forefront of online op shopping. Beginning with an eBay and Instagram store in 2019 and transforming into a dedicated website, the online op shop sells high-end and designer clothes, collectibles and antiques to customers from across Australia – raising vital funds for our services.