THE number of people sleeping rough in Frankston has soared to its highest level since 2021.
Frankston Council estimates that 106 people are known to specialist homelessness services across Frankston, with 67 described as “sleeping rough”. Council estimates that Frankston has the third highest number of people sleeping rough in Victoria.
Earlier this month, local politicians, community leaders, and service providers came together for a roundtable to discuss how to address the growing crisis.
Frankston Council’s current homelessness response program, Frankston Zero, is a collaboration between 22 partner agencies. State government funding for the initiative runs out in mid-2027. Frankston mayor Cr Sue Baker said “Frankston Zero has built the local partnerships, knowledge and systems needed to respond. We now need the capacity to meet growing demand.”
“The response already exists. The opportunity is to strengthen what works,” Cr Baker said. “By working together and investing in what we know works, we can help ensure more people have access to the support and housing they need to rebuild their lives.”
As part of its advocacy campaign for the November state election, Frankston Council is seeking $2.5 million for Frankston Zero. Frankston Zero executive committee chair Jackie Galloway said “Frankston Zero keeps people visible to the service system and helps partners provide the right support at the right time.
“There are not enough suitable homes, and people can wait a long time. During that wait, outreach, persistence and coordinated support are critical.”
First published in the Frankston Times – 29 September 2026