Street Up, a new initiative aimed at addressing homelessness with real-life insights from those directly affected, was launched last week during Homelessness Week.

This year's theme, "Homelessness Action Now," underscored the urgency of finding effective solutions, and Street Up seeks to bring together leaders, councils, businesses and service providers in a collaborative effort to do just that.

The initiative is a joint project by the Sunshine Coast Council, Caloundra Community Centre, and Nambour Community Centre, working closely with individuals who have firsthand experience of homelessness.

The goal is to reshape the community’s understanding and approach to homelessness by drawing on the unique perspectives of those who have lived through it.

The launch event featured powerful presentations from lived experience leaders who shared their personal journeys, illustrating how these insights can lead to more compassionate and effective responses.

UQ PhD candidate and Postdoctoral Research Fellow Skye Constantine also contributed to the discussion, sharing research on the importance of lived experience in addressing homelessness.

“Every story about how a person came to experience homelessness is different... To make real change, we need to be ready to listen, collaborate, and act with the people who know where change is needed because they've lived through the consequences,”

Ms Constantine said. Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli, who attended the launch along with councillors, community members, service providers, and local business leaders, emphasized the council’s commitment to integrating these valuable perspectives into the region’s social response strategies.

“By partnering with lived experience leaders, we are actively facilitating a platform where real insights lead to genuine and sustainable solutions,” said Mayor Natoli.

Attendee Ian Campbell described the initiative as a significant step forward for the community.

“This initiative isn't just about giving voice to those of us who have lived through homelessness; it's about ensuring that our experiences and insights help inform decisions... Our goal is to drive real, sustainable change that addresses the root causes of homelessness and improves the lives of those affected by it,” Mr Campbell said.

Street Up aims to enhance the way the Sunshine Coast addresses homelessness and to serve as a model for similar efforts across the country, demonstrating the power of collaboration between those with lived experience and the broader community.

• For more information or to get involved with Street Up, visit www.streetup.com.au.