Home Based Outreach Service (HBOS)

What does the Home Based Outreach Service (HBOS) offer?

Supports can include:

  • Accommodation focused living skills; such as securing accommodation if homeless, finding more suitable long term housing if in temporary accommodation, setting up & maintaining a home, budgeting, managing utilities, bills or debts
  • Learning or re-learning general living skills such as shopping and meals preparation etc
  • Support with maintaining & promoting mental & physical health
  • Establishing and maintaining family, community & social connections
  • Promoting cultural and recreational opportunities
  • Building confidence and developing strengths
  • Promoting employment, education or training opportunities
  • Developing links with other services e.g. clinical mental health services, general health, Centrelink, legal, Office of Housing & other housing providers

*ARAFEMI housing: While we do have access to some of our own accommodation, there are only a few vacancies that occur throughout a year. ARAFEMI is primarily a support provider, rather than an accommodation provider. This program is not suitable for those people whose sole need is accommodation.

Who is eligible for the Home Based Outreach Service (HBOS)?

Home Based Outreach Service (HBOS) is suitable for those who:

  • Experience severe & persistent mental illness that significantly impacts on their ability to live independently and participate in the community.
  • Are aged between 18 and 64 years
  • Live in, or need to move to, the Eastern Cities of Boroondara, Yarra, Whitehorse, Manningham, or the North Eastern City of Darebin
  • Have a need to increase their living skills
  • Have the desire and are agreeable to actively participating in the program to make positive changes

How do I apply for the Home Based Outreach Service (HBOS)?

Option 1: Download the HBOS Application Form, print and complete form, then post to:

Program Manager
ARAFEMI Outreach Services
PO Box 83
HAWTHORN VIC 3122

or

Fax on 9810 9399

Option 2: Complete Online Form

Please Note:

  • Online applications take about 15 minutes to complete and requires the person who will recieve the service to complete the final section. Any carer views can also be incorporated in the application.
  • Due to high demand for the service, places are allocated on the basis of greatest need, commitment to engagement with the service, and availability. Waiting times can range between a few weeks and one or two years, depending on applications and worker availability
  • An applicant will be asked to attend a meeting when a suitable place becomes available. At this meeting, the application will be discussed in further detail, and the applicant is encouraged to bring support people such as family members, friends or their case manager


For an informal discussion regarding the service, or to check the progress of an application or update any change of circumstances (i.e. change of address or contact phone number), contact Program Manager Hugo Steinbergs on 9810 9303 or 0419 286 788, or email hugo.steinbergs@arafemi.org.au.