At the Parish Forum on Saturday, 8 June 2019, more than 50 participants heard from excellent speakers and discussed why homelessness is an issue for all of us and what we can do about it. The parable of the Good Samaritan causes us all to pause in our journey and consider the needs of our neighbour: what can we do to assist our brothers and sisters on the margins, particularly those who are facing housing difficulties and homelessness? 

Deputy Premier James Merlino told the 2018 pre-election forum at Catholic Social Services that "a great society is where the most vulnerable citizens are supported so that they can reach their full potential."  Deputy Liberal leader David Hodgett noted that "good economic policy needs to be balanced with support for those that are disadvantaged, vulnerable and marginalised." Catholic Social Services Victoria has produced a brochure, Building a fairer Victoria where everyone flourishes, which identifies policy issues and priorities to encourage dialogue with candidates in the lead up to the election.

The Council of Catholic Social Services Victoria has adopted engagement with Aboriginal Victorians as a priority, with a view to deepen and strengthen our relationship with Aboriginal Catholic Ministry and Victorian Aboriginal communities and to learn from the experience of member organisations and others. This paper brings together range of material relating to the wellbeing of Aboriginal people in Victoria, and the engagement of members of Catholic Social Services Victoria with Aboriginal communities. It documents the rich strands of engagement that have developed, and provides a framework for the understanding of current issues and of work still to be done.

42 Melbourne Catholic parishes and four religious orders are providing social housing to approximately 404 of the most vulnerable members in our community. Catholic social service agencies and health providers accommodate more than 3,000 people who struggle to secure adequate housing through the private market. A report on social housing in the Archdiocese also explores what more can be done for those struggling to find a place called home.