Strengthening connections across AOD, Health, and Housing in Brisbane

Micah Projects’ Homeless to Home Healthcare Network hosted a Brisbane AOD/Housing Online Learning Forum to address this challenge: building a shared, practical understanding of how these systems work together in real life.

Why this forum matters

For frontline workers and service providers, navigating the intersection of AOD, health, and housing systems can be complex. While each system plays a critical role, gaps in coordination can make it harder for people to access the right support at the right time.

This forum focused on bridging those gaps by:

• mapping real-world service pathways
• clarifying roles and responsibilities across sectors
• improving referral processes and coordination.

Key areas of focus

The forum explored how different parts of the system respond to AOD use and housing instability, including:

• Health responses to AOD use 

Participants gained insight into health-led approaches such as triage, counselling, dual diagnosis services, and both hospital-based and community treatment options.

• AOD harm reduction and treatment pathways

Discussions covered the full spectrum of AOD supports, from peer-based outreach and community programs to withdrawal management, detox, and residential rehabilitation.

• Housing and homelessness responses

The forum unpacked housing pathways, including crisis accommodation, tenancy sustainment, supportive housing, and access to community and government housing.

• System integration in practice

Through service presentations and lived experience insights, attendees explored how these systems interact on the ground, and where improvements are needed.

Roles, eligibility, and referrals

A key outcome was greater clarity around who does what, who is eligible for which services, and how to make effective referrals across systems.

A collaborative effort

Representatives from across the sector delivered concise, practical overviews of their roles, helping to build a clearer picture of the broader service landscape. These included:

• AOD helplines and triage services
• community-based treatment and outreach providers
• withdrawal, detox, and residential rehabilitation services
• housing and specialist homelessness services
• community housing organisations.

Presenting organisations included:

• ADIS
• Communify
• QuIHN
• Metro North Health
• Metro South Health
• Lives Lived Well
• The Salvation Army
• St Vincent de Paul Society
• Department of Housing and Public Works
• Mission Australia
• Bric Housing
• Brisbane Common Ground
• Micah Projects’ Sustaining Tenancy Team and The Homelessness and Housing Hub

Strong engagement across Brisbane

The forum saw strong participation from across Greater Brisbane and surrounding areas, bringing together local service providers, state government representatives, and health services.

• 110 people attended the session live
• 53 unique organisations represented

This level of engagement reflects a clear and growing appetite for stronger collaboration across the health, AOD, and housing sectors.

Working to strengthen Queensland’s housing system

The Brisbane AOD/Housing Online Learning Forum forms part of a broader initiative funded by the Queensland Mental Health Commission. Micah Projects is one of three organisations funded through the AOD Responses in Housing and Homelessness Settings Grants to deliver initiatives over 18 months building the capability of housing and homelessness services to respond to and support Queenslanders experiencing AOD related concerns. 

Looking ahead

The Brisbane AOD/Housing Online Learning Forum demonstrated the value of creating shared spaces for learning and connection. By improving understanding across systems, we can better support people experiencing homelessness and AOD challenges - ensuring services feel coordinated, accessible, and responsive.

Continued collaboration will be key to building a more integrated system that meets people where they are and supports long-term stability.

Find out more about Micah Projects work: 

Inclusive Health Partnerships | Micah Projects
Micah Projects Impact Report 2024-25 | Micah Projects