Partnership brings care, connection and dignity to Footscray’s streets
Published on 12 November 2025
Each week in Footscray, cohealth and Orange Sky provide health care, showers and support to people experiencing homelessness. This is part of a Council-supported partnership focused on dignity and connection.
Every Tuesday on Albert Street, cohealth’s outreach team sets up beside Orange Sky’s bright orange laundry and shower van. Together, they offer practical help and a compassionate presence to those doing it tough.
On Saturdays, the team returns to the Footscray Library forecourt. Their consistent presence helps build trust and ensures people can access support in a safe, familiar space.
Maribyrnong City Council has supported both organisations since the service began. Council helps secure safe, accessible locations where outreach can happen regularly and respectfully.
This collaboration has grown through the Maribyrnong Homelessness Response (MHR) network. It is also supported by regular hotspots meetings that bring together local outreach, health and safety partners.
Council established the MHR network in early 2025. It was created in response to growing concern about the number of people sleeping rough in the municipality.
The network brings together local health, housing, legal and homelessness services. It focuses on improving referral pathways, coordinating outreach and ensuring timely access to support.
Together, MHR members are building a more connected and responsive local service system. Their work is grounded in empathy and shaped by the needs of the community.
Mayor Pradeep Tiwari said the partnership shows what is possible when local services work side by side to support people with care and respect.
“When we create safe, predictable spaces for outreach, we make it easier for people to find help. We also strengthen the community around them,” Mayor Tiwari said.
The Footscray outreach program began in September 2024. It is part of cohealth’s Street Health initiative, supported by the Victorian Government’s Statewide Action Plan.
The plan aims to reduce drug harm and improve access to health care for people experiencing disadvantage across Victoria.
For more information about cohealth’s Street Health program, visit www.cohealth.org.au
Maribyrnong News
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