Housing & Homelessness
Alcohol & Other drugs
Domestic & Family Violence
Mental Health & Wellbeing
Housing and Homelessness
Everyone deserves a safe place to call home. Whether you’re in crisis, leaving violence, or under housing stress, Toora offers immediate safety, longer-term options and pathways to stability.
When women reach out, we show up.
In the 2024/25 financial year:
Nights of accommodation provided to women and children.
Women and 178 children supported through our housing and domestic violence services.
Women and four children supported through our Coming Home Program.
Who this helps
Women leaving violence who need safe accommodation.
Women under housing stress, couch surfing, or without a safe place to sleep.
Women with children needing safe and secure housing as a family.
Young women over 16 looking for a safe place to live.
Women involved in the justice system who need stable housing.
Women needing support to hold onto safe housing.
Referral
Self-refer by calling Toora on (02) 6122 7000 or completing our referral form.
Referrals are also accepted from health or community services.
Eligibility
For women, female-identifying and non-binary people (16+) in the ACT who are homeless or at risk.
Cost
Case management is free.
Rent is income-based. Financial assistance may be available. Learn more: Toora’s Housing Factsheet.
What we offer
Learn about our programs
What to expect
When you reach out, you’ll be met with respect and understanding. We’ll explore your housing options together. Our team can provide short-term accommodation, help with longer-term housing, and connect you to counselling, AOD support, or other services — always with you in control of the next steps.
Common questions
No. You can contact Toora on (02) 6122 7000 or by completing our referral form, or through OneLink on 1800 176 468 or the Domestic Violence Crisis Service (DVCS) on (02) 6280 0900. You don’t need paperwork, a referral letter, or proof of crisis to ask for help.
Yes. Children are welcome in most of our housing programs. We aim to keep families together wherever possible and will talk with you about the safest option for you and your children.
We provide both crisis and transitional housing in shared houses, units, and standalone homes. Properties are furnished, so you only need to bring your essentials. If you’re moving into shared housing, we ask you to keep belongings to two bags. If you need storage for larger items, we can help arrange it.
Rent is based on your income and reviewed twice a year. You’ll usually pay a percentage of your income, plus any rent assistance you receive, and a small contribution towards utilities. Two weeks’ rent is usually required upfront, but if that’s difficult, we can arrange a repayment plan. Bond is organised through ACT Housing and can often be covered by an interest-free loan.
Your Case Coordinator will work through this with you. You can also find out more in Toora’s Housing Factsheet.
No. You don’t need rental references or proof of employment to access housing with Toora. If you’re not receiving Centrelink or a regular income yet, we’ll work with you to put interim arrangements in place so you can still access housing safely.
Yes. Women on low or moderate incomes who may not meet the criteria for public/social housing may also be eligible for assistance under our Ascent Rental Subsidy program.
We’ll explain wait times clearly and work with you to find other safe housing options in the meantime. You won’t be left without support.
Your safety and confidentiality are our priority. We will never share your information without your consent unless required by law to keep you or others safe. Your privacy is also protected under the Privacy Act 1988 and Toora’s Privacy Policy.
If you’re in immediate danger, call 000. For after-hours crisis accommodation, call the Domestic Violence Crisis Service on (02) 6280 0900 or OneLink on 1800 176 468.
Many women face more than one challenge. Alongside housing, Toora can connect you to alcohol and other drug support, counselling, legal advice, health services, parenting support, and help with immigration issues. Your Case Coordinator will work with you on a plan that meets your needs.
Ready to talk
Start with a call or referral—our team will guide you through the next steps.
Women & Children Program
Our Women & Children Program provides safe crisis and transitional housing for women and their accompanying children escaping violence, experiencing or at risk of homelessness, or in housing stress. Each woman is supported by her own case worker from intake through their journey to create stability, access services, and plan a path forward. Our staff are professionally trained in person-centred, trauma-informed services.
What this offers
- Crisis and transitional shared or standalone accommodation.
- Support to find safe, new, and stable housing.
- Case management, safety planning, and advocacy tailored to your needs.
- Practical support with budgeting, rent, bond, and welfare access.
- Referrals to health, counselling, legal, and community services, including immigration support if needed.
- Opportunities to build skills and confidence through education, employment, and independent living support.
- Access to trauma counselling and alcohol and other drug support.
Who is eligible
- Women, non-binary and other feminine-identifying people (16+) in the ACT, with or without children.
- Who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
- Who are escaping domestic and family violence.
- Women from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, including those without permanent residency.
Cost
- Case management is free.
- Rent is income-based and set according to Toora’s Housing Factsheet.
- Women in supported accommodation are eligible for Centrelink Rent Assistance.
Referral process
- Self-refer by calling Toora on (02) 6122 7000 or completing our referral form.
- Through OneLink on 1800 176 468.
- Through the Domestic Violence Crisis Service on (02) 6280 0900.
Coming Home Program
The Coming Home Program helps women leaving prison or connected with the ACT justice system to rebuild their lives in the community. Each woman has a case worker from intake through reintegration, ensuring access to wraparound support that fits her needs, including housing support.
What this offers
- Safe housing and tailored reintegration support.
- Help to reconnect with family, children, and community.
- Access to health services, counselling, and AOD support.
- Skills for independent living, education, or employment.
- Budgeting help and welfare access.
- Trauma-informed case coordination every step of the way.
Who is eligible
- Women, non-binary and female identifying people (18+) exiting custody or connected with the ACT justice system.
- With or without accompanying children.
Cost
- Case management is free.
- Rent is income-based and set according to Toora’s Housing Factsheet.
- Women in supported accommodation are eligible for Centrelink Rent Assistance.
Referral process
- Self-refer by calling Toora on (02) 6122 7000 or completing our referral form.
- Referrals accepted from Justice and Community Safety Directorate via 13 22 81.
Aleta Outreach Program
The Aleta Outreach Program helps women facing housing stress or violence to keep or find a safe home. A case worker will walk beside you with tenancy support, safety planning, and connections to community services—so you can make decisions and build stability at your own pace.
What this offers
- Support to secure safe, stable housing or keep your current home.
- Safety planning and legal advice.
- Budgeting support and guidance with Centrelink benefits.
- Independent living skills and confidence-building.
- Referrals to health, legal, and community services.
- Building a support network so you don’t feel alone.
Who is eligible
- Women, non-binary and other feminine-identifying people (16+) from the ACT.
- Who need help to maintain their tenancy or find new housing.
Cost
- Case management is free.
- Women in supported accommodation are eligible for Centrelink Rent Assistance.
- If housing is provided through Toora properties, rent is income-based and set according to Toora’s Housing Factsheet.
Referral process
- Self-refer by calling Toora on (02) 6122 7000 or completing our referral form.
- Through OneLink on 1800 176 468.
- Referrals from community organisations are also accepted.
Ascend Rental Subsidy
The Ascend Rental Subsidy Program helps women leaving domestic and family violence or at risk of homeslessness to secure and sustain safe private rental housing. It provides financial assistance alongside case management, giving you space to rebuild independence and stability.
What this offers
- Financial support for rent and bond.
- Safe and stable private rental housing.
- Ongoing case management and safety planning.
- Referrals to counselling, health, legal, and community services.
- Support to rebuild confidence and independence after violence.
Who is eligible
- Women, non-binary and other feminine-identifying people (18+) from the ACT leaving domestic and family violence and at risk of homelessness.
- Women who may also be on low or moderate incomes who may not meet criteria for public/social housing.
- Who may also need help to maintain their tenancy or find new housing.
Cost
- Case management is free.
- Rent is subsidised for up to 12 months to make private housing affordable.
Referral process
- Self-refer by calling Toora on (02) 6122 7000 or completing our referral form.
- Referrals from community organisations are also accepted.