Students tackle homelessness in the time of COVID-19

We have been told not to leave our homes unless necessary.

But what if you don't have a home to leave?

I was giving advice to a group of RMIT University journalism students on a project to tell stories of the homeless, when coronavirus took hold in Melbourne.

A difficult project suddenly became even harder as lockdowns tightened.

To  their credit the students persisted, determined to give a voice to some of the most vulnerable in our community.

I'm very proud of their work in giving an insight into the world of more than 100,000 Australians who have nowhere to call home, as the day-to-day struggle to survive was overtaken by a new threat: a global pandemic.

You can check out their work below.

Gabriella Payne, Brodie Hoyne

One small Melbourne charity making sure that even as every other door closed, theirs stays open to those most in need.

Home away from home (Gabriella Payne)

Homeless charities overcome restrictions (Brodie Hoyne)

Alexandra Middleton

Family violence is the leading cause of homelessness for women and children. For many it's their only way to escape.

Finding a home after family violence

Giulia Raneri

For thousands of children in state care turning 18 means they're suddenly without a home. At the worst possible time.

Youth homelessness - under-addressed and devastating

Karly Smith and Emma Sullivan

Already dealing with the stress of homelessness, many women suffer from increased burden of access to period products. 

Period poverty

Saba Hashimi

Exploring how homeless people in developing countries are coping with the Coronavirus outbreak.

Homelessness and coronavirus in Pakistan

Brett McLeod is a 9News reporter and Adjunct Professor of Journalism at RMIT University.