News, Stories, and Events - Merri Outreach Support Services

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12 Aug 2026

Why Assertive Outreach is Critical for Victoria’s Future

The traditional model of social work often relies on a simple premise. A person in need walks through the front door of an agency, asks for help, and receives a referral.

Stories

29 Jul 2026

Protecting Two Lives: The Crisis in Emergency Housing for Pregnant Women

Pregnancy usually brings a mix of excitement and planning. For many, it is a time of nesting, choosing baby clothes, and preparing a safe corner of the world for a new arrival.

5 min read

Stories

15 Jul 2026

Council Seizure Laws and Human Dignity: The Cost of Enforcement in Port Phillip

In the quiet hours of a Melbourne winter, a sleeping bag represents the difference between a night of rest and a night of physical peril.

5 min read

Stories

01 Jul 2026

The Ripple Effect: How Safe Housing Helps Break the Cycle of Family Violence and Homelessness

When someone leaves violence, they are often leaving more than a relationship.

5 min read

Stories

17 Jun 2026

Employment and Housing: The Catch-22 for Vulnerable Youth

Young Australians face a compounding crisis when they lose their housing.

5 min read

Stories

31 Jan 2024

Homelessness service says tent cities growing in Melbourne’s north

More than 30,000 Victorians are homeless, an increase of 17 per cent over the past five years.

5 min read

News

16 Sep 2022

Vale Uncle Jack Charles

It is a very sad time at MOSS. Our beloved MOSS Ambassador Uncle Jack Charles has died aged 79.

5 min read

Stories

29 Apr 2022

Maya's Story

“I had no one to rely on, no family, no friends, not a single soul.” – Maya* (name changed to maintain privacy).

5 min read

News

13 Apr 2021

“Decrease the Digital Divide” with the M Digital Mentor Program

Merri Outreach Support Service, in partnership with Moreland Libraries and Moreland City Council invites members of the local community to become Digital Mentors for senior residents.

5 min read

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faqs

For Councils

For the Community

For MOSS Consumers

How do I make a referral directly to MOSS?

MOSS offers a broad suite of programs and one of our Program Managers will be happy to assist with your referral query.

Can MOSS get someone a house?

There are many and varied housing options that may be suitable for consumers. During our initial assessment, we will explore these options and together with the consumer we will develop a plan to reach their housing goal.

Does MOSS support people in private rental?

Yes. Some MOSS programs can support people in private rental and one of our Program Managers, will be happy to discuss this wit h you.

Does MOSS provide assistance for people aged 65+?

Yes. At MOSS we have several programs that provide assistance to over 65s. Please click on the link for further information: contact.

Where can I access homelessness assistance for someone in my community?

If someone in your community is in crisis, they can get help by calling 1800 825 955 (24 hours / Free call).

A housing and support worker will take the call. They will assess the individual’s needs and refer them to help in their local area.

Can I donate secondhand toys and/or clothes?

No. MOSS currently does not accept donations of secondhand toys or clothes. However, they do accept donations of new toys and clothes.

How do I make a referral for local street homeless people or those who are sleeping rough in parks, etc?

All referrals for local rough sleepers and homeless people are best assisted by calling 1800 825 955 (24 hours / free call). A housing and support worker will assess the individual’s needs and refer them to help in their local area.

Where can I get homelessness assistance for myself or someone I know?

If you or someone you know are in crisis, call 1800 825 955 (24 hours / free call). A housing and support worker will assess the individual’s needs and refer them to local support services.

Can MOSS assist my friend/family member with health issues?

Yes. Some MOSS programs can accept referrals from friends and family. You can contact one of their Program Managers to assess the situation and direct you accordingly.

Email: hello@merri.org
Broadmeadows Phone: (03) 9359 5493
Northcote Phone: (03) 9482 3488

Does MOSS have houses?

No. They do not have housing. If you are supported by a MOSS program, they can assist you to apply for public housing, social housing, and other housing options.

If you are in crisis, you can get help by calling 1800 825 955 (24 hours / free call). A housing and support worker will assess your needs and refer you to help in your local area.

Can MOSS get me a house or THM?

They do not have housing. If you are supported by a MOSS program, they can assist you to apply for public housing, social housing, and other housing options.

Does MOSS have money for RIA and Bond?

No. MOSS does not have money for bonds or rent in advance/arrears. If you are supported by a MOSS program, they can support you to explore your eligibility for a bond loan through the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing. They may also support an application for rent relief.

Can MOSS help me with a priority housing application?

If you are receiving support from a MOSS program and are eligible for priority housing, MOSS may be able to support you with the application.

Contact Details:
Email: hello@merri.org
Broadmeadows Phone: (03) 9359 5493
Northcote Phone: (03) 9482 3488

Can you assist my friend/family member with housing and health issues?

Yes. Some MOSS programs can accept referrals from friends and family. Program Managers can assess the situation and direct you accordingly.

Contact Details:
Email: hello@merri.org
Broadmeadows Phone: (03) 9359 5493
Northcote Phone: (03) 9482 3488

Do I need a referral for MOSS?

Each MOSS program has different referral requirements. Contact one of their Program Managers to assess your needs and direct you accordingly.

Contact Details:
Email: hello@merri.org
Broadmeadows Phone: (03) 9359 5493
Northcote Phone: (03) 9482 3488

How do I get a support worker?

If you are referred to and deemed eligible for one of the support programs, a support worker will be allocated.

Please contact us:
Email: hello@merri.org
Broadmeadows Phone: (03) 9359 5493
Northcote Phone: (03) 9482 3488

Can MOSS assist me with housing, My Aged Care/NDIS referral?

MOSS will assist with referrals for housing options, My Aged Care, and NDIS, if the individual is assessed as eligible for the service the referral is for.

Please contact us:
Email: hello@merri.org
Broadmeadows Phone: (03) 9359 5493
Northcote Phone: (03) 9482 3488

Does MOSS provide material aid (e.g. washing machines, disability and walking aids, food vouchers)?

MOSS is not a material aid provider. However, in some cases, for people receiving case management support, they may help source support through partnerships with material aid providers.

Do you offer advice for people about to lose their tenancy?

MOSS advises people at risk of losing their tenancy to contact Tenants Victoria.

Do you give referrals for dental, optometry, occupational therapy, podiatry, etc?

The key focus of MOSS programs is improving clients’ health and wellbeing. For allied health referrals, they recommend contacting Your Community Health.

Phone: (03) 8470 1111
Email: info@yourcommunityhealth.org.au
Website: yourcommunityhealth.org.au

They provide medical, dental, allied health services, and support programs through health centres, homes, and community settings.