Shelter Housing Action Cairns Association Incorporated

Situated in the heart of Far North Queensland, Shelter Housing Action Cairns Association Incorporated is a long-standing not-for-profit organisation dedicated to addressing homelessness and supporting vulnerable families in the Cairns region. Since its establishment in 1987, SHAC has evolved to become a vital community resource, offering a comprehensive suite of services designed to help individuals and families overcome housing instability and achieve greater social and economic independence.

Mission and Vision

SHAC’s vision is to eliminate homelessness in the Cairns community. Its mission is to support people on their path to a secure future, guided by core values of respect, advocacy, diversity, human rights, transparency, and environmental stewardship. The organisation is committed to not only providing immediate relief but also addressing the root causes of homelessness, such as poverty and financial exclusion.

Main Objectives

• Provide temporary supported accommodation and intensive case management for families experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
• Deliver financial capability programs that help individuals and families maintain tenancies, manage budgets, reduce debt, and build financial resilience.
• Offer safe, affordable credit options through no interest loans for essential goods and services, removing financial barriers to stability.
• Advocate for systemic change by raising awareness of homelessness and housing issues, and by influencing policy and community responses.
• Foster collaboration with government, industry, and community partners to expand access to housing and support services.

Benefiting Groups

SHAC primarily serves families—defined as at least one adult with at least one dependent child under 18—who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness in the Cairns Local Government Area. This includes single-parent families, couples with children, multi-generational households, and pregnant individuals. Specialised programs, such as the Young Parents Tenancy Support Program, focus on young parents aged 16 to 25, providing tailored support to sustain tenancies, improve parenting skills, and connect with health and wellbeing services.

Types of Services and Activities

• Temporary Supported Accommodation: Emergency and transitional housing options, including motel placements and community housing tenancies, accompanied by mobile outreach and case management.
• Housing and Family Support: Advocacy, information, education, and referral services to reduce barriers to housing and increase access to stable, long-term accommodation.
• My Money Program: Free, confidential financial counselling and support to help families budget, increase income, reduce debt, and assess housing affordability.
• No Interest Loans Scheme (NILS): Interest-free, fee-free loans up to $2,000 for essential household items, car repairs, medical expenses, education, and employment needs, repayable over 12–24 months.
• Brokerage and Emergency Relief: Financial assistance for urgent needs, depending on funding availability.
• Community Education and Advocacy: Public awareness campaigns, media engagement, and participation in local and state networks to address homelessness and housing insecurity.

SHAC’s work is made possible through government funding, partnerships with organisations such as Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand, and the generosity of community and corporate supporters. Those wishing to contribute can make a donation to support SHAC’s ongoing efforts to create a future where every family in Cairns has a safe and secure place to call home.