On Wednesday 13 August 2025, the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference launched its 2025 Social Justice Statement focussing on the marginalised homeless in Australia.

The Statement, titled Signs of Hope on the Edge: Serving People Living in Homelessness and Mental Ill-Health, marks Social Justice Sunday on 31 August and urges each of us to notice, know and serve those who are living on the edge of society.

This year, the Society’s National Policy Director, Rose Beynon, participated on the drafting panel and provided contributions from the Society’s states and territories.

The Statement includes Michael’s story, who was assisted by Bethlehem House in Hobart. Michael lived on the streets for many years and experienced severe depression and family tragedy. With accommodation, referrals to counselling and support services, and assistance with financial management, Michael is in a much better place. Getting involved with the community at Bethlehem House through a range of activities such as art, sport and cooking has also helped to lift Michael’s spirits.

The Statement calls us as Christians to be more mindful and compassionate towards Australia’s homeless people who live with mental ill-health. Last year, almost 280,000 people sought the assistance of specialist homelessness services, of whom one in three lives with mental ill-health. Alarmingly, 300 people are turned away from specialist homelessness services every day because they cannot meet demand.

The Statement’s calls for action include increasing supported accommodation places and affordable housing, improving the integration of mental health services with housing and homelessness support, increasing the funding of specialist homelessness services, providing tenancy support for people with mental ill-health in both social and private housing, and raising the rate of income support payments, such as JobSeeker.

In Jubilee Year 2025, Pope Francis reminded us that we are “Pilgrims of Hope.” This year’s Statement calls us to walk with those who are homeless and mentally unwell, not just as service providers, but as neighbours and friends. 

Read this year’s statement, access a prayer card, download a poster or listen to ACBC President Archbishop Timothy Costelloe’s foreword at socialjustice.catholic.org.au.