CCQ Zero
Homeless Health Initiative
Health and housing are fundamental human rights, yet it is nearly impossible to achieve one without the other. People experiencing homelessness face significantly poorer health outcomes than the general population. They are also disproportionately represented in Emergency Department visits and unplanned hospital admissions.
The CCQ ZERO Homeless Health Initiative is a transformative initiative designed to address this challenge. As part of a national movement to end homelessness in Australia, it applies the proven Advance to Zero methodology to drive systems change and improve health outcomes.
What is Advance to Zero?
The Advance to Zero methodology has been successfully adopted across Australian communities. The Advance to Zero approach focuses on:
- Collecting local data: Gathering real-time information about individuals experiencing homelessness and their healthcare needs.
- Service coordination: Using data to connect people with the right housing and support services including primary health care.
- Identifying gaps: Highlighting where systems need improvement to better serve priority populations.Â
This evidence-based model is delivering real results in reducing homelessness and improving health outcomes in Australia and internationally.
Collaboration at the Core
The CCQ ZERO Homeless Health Initiative was initiated in 2024 and unites partners across the Sunshine Coast, Wide Bay and Central Queensland region to implement this approach.
IFYS and Rosebery QLD are the backbone organisations uniting services through shared data systems, coordinated care, and collective action.Â
Visit the ZERO communities websites to explore local homelessness data and learn how you can support the journey:
- Central Queensland ZERO – Led by Roseberry QLD
- Sunshine Coast ZERO and Wide Bay ZERO – Led by IFYS
- Our learning partner, The Good Shift, supports monitoring, evaluation, and continuous improvement.
Evidence and Impact
The latest Learning Report from The Good Shift explores the first phase of implementation, including:
- How elements of the Advance to Zero model are being implemented across the three new ZERO regions by local partners in Central Queensland with support from Rosebery and on the Sunshine Coast and Wide Bay with support from IFYS.
- What we are learning about the health needs of people experiencing homelessness and the local health systems that support them and,
- How stronger integration and coordination between local organisations can improve health and wellbeing outcomes.
Link to Learning report
The funding for this activity is provided by Country to Coast Queensland, with support from the Australian Government through the PHN Program.
