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Evaluation of WA Engagement Hubs for people experiencing homelessness

We’re excited to share our latest research report on Engagement Hubs (also known as drop-in centres or day centres), this is the first evaluation that collectively looks at 10 different Engagement Hubs in WA across 7 different community services.

This comprehensive report is a must-read for policymakers, community leaders, and organisations operating or supporting people who access Hubs.

What’s inside the report?

  • An overview of essential components of Engagement Hubs including types of support provided, how they are funded & staffed, and the facilities they provide.
  • Details on ‘who’ uses Engagement Hubs, how often they use them, patterns of service use over time, and key reasons ‘why’ people access Hubs.
  • Case studies showcasing different programs, partnerships, and examples of achieving outcomes for people accessing Hubs.
    Feedback from staff, stakeholders, and service users on their experiences with Engagement Hubs.
  • Exploration of broader government and homeless sector impacts of Engagement Hubs.
  • Actionable recommendations for the Hubs themselves, Government Departments, funding/commissioning bodies, and for community services to improve overall service delivery of Engagement Hubs, to better contribute to the ending of homelessness in WA, and future proofing of Hubs.

Why this matters
As cost-of-living pressures continue to impact individuals, the role of Engagement Hubs and the support they provide to people experiencing and at-risk of homelessness is crucial to explore. This report provides a roadmap to enhancing collaboration, ensuring accountability, and maximising impact of the future of Hubs.

Evaluation of WA Engagement Hubs for people experiencing homelessness – final report

This independent evaluation of WA Engagement Hubs for people experiencing homelessness has been undertaken by the Home2Health Research Team within the Institute for Health Research, University of Notre Dame Australia. This piece of work would have not been possible without the generous funding and ongoing commitment of the Sisters of St John of God to research and evaluation, and to the Western Australia Alliance to End Homelessness for overseeing the project governance.


WA Engagement Hubs for people experiencing homelessness – executive summary

The overarching purpose of this evaluation was to examine the role, scope of service delivery, and impact of Engagement Hubs within the context of broader efforts to end and address homelessness in Western Australia (WA).
The evaluation was undertaken for the WA Alliance to End Homelessness (WAAEH) and the seven community service organisations that operate Hubs. This executive summary provides a quick look at key findings and recommendations contained in the final report. 

16/04/2025 Case studyCo-designEvaluationPublication