In 2014 a Seaford church group, undertaking a systematic inquiry into its local area, noticed how many people there were sleeping on the beach, in bush reserves, at sportsgrounds, and in cars. At the time there were also regular newspaper reports about the dangers of rooming house accommodation, including deaths as a result of fires and violence.

At the same time the Seaford Community Committee became concerned about the same issues, and the two groups teamed up. Later we were joined by the residents of the Seaford Beach Cabin Park, and the Mt Eliza St Vincent de Paul Society, and adopted the name SHAC.

Most of our work has been advocacy in support of safe, dignified and affordable emergency and low-income accommodation proposals, as well as a few hands-on projects. For example:

• We organised a public meeting in support of the residents of the Seaford Beach Cabin Park, part of which Frankston City Council wanted for a carpark, threatening its closure. The first-hand stories of the residents themselves made a powerful impression on local politicians, and the homes of some 70 people were saved.
• After the closure of Frankston City Life meals service, for 12 months we served evening meals at community venues in Seaford and Frankston, in conjunction with the City of Frankston.
• We have prepared substantial reports for local and state government, and the housing sector, based on local data, including the first-hand experiences of homeless people:
  • Homelessness in Frankston (2015)
  • Sleepless in Seaford (2017)
• Ongoing research and mapping of the exceptionally high number of Rooming Houses in the City of Frankston. These residences are often inappropriate and dangerous, especially for women, but are virtually all that is available to offer people in housing crisis.
• Proposal for affordable, secure and dignified accommodation on the cabin park model, with an initial design at a surplus government site on Overton Road Frankston. Negotiations with City of Frankston, Launch Housing and others were interrupted by Covid. We are advocating that the State government consider making a large Ballarto Road site available for social housing.
• Submissions to various State and Federal government inquiries into housing, and responses (including regular questions at Council meetings) to the City of Frankston's proposals and policies.
• We helped initiate the ecumenical Frankston Winter Shelter project, which provides a warm safe bed, meals, backpack luggage etc to homeless people over the winter months. Community donations, and St Anne's parish, enabled a substantial refurbishment (including installation of a shower) at the Holy Family hall at North Frankston.
• We are campaigning for Council to designate a public car park where people who have to live in their cars are able to sleep overnight, in relative safety and with basic amenities.

We have often featured in local newspapers, and (until its recent closure) had a monthly information stand at the Seaford Farmers Market. By being a consistent presence in the community, we believe we contribute to an awareness of emergency and affordable housing issues in the local Frankston community, and perhaps beyond.

However, there is so much more that could be done with and for local people who are critically in need of housing. Everyone is warmly invited to come and contribute whatever you can to the task ahead. Or, feel welcome to just come and check out a meeting.