1500 Origami Houses Folded by the South East Bring Attention to Urgent Housing Need
During Homelessness Week 2026, the South East Homelessness and Housing Alliance invited the community to consider a simple but powerful question: What does a home mean to you?
The response came in the form of 1500 of origami houses folded and displayed throughout the week at Dandenong Library. Each house carried a personal message about safety, belonging, family, connection, stability and hope, creating a striking visual representation of the importance of having a place to call home.
The exhibition brought together community members, local organisations, housing advocates and homelessness services in a shared effort to raise awareness about homelessness and housing insecurity across Melbourne's South East. It also provided an opportunity for meaningful conversations about the barriers many people face in accessing safe, affordable housing and the collective responsibility we share in addressing these challenges.
A highlight of the week was a special Homelessness Week morning tea attended by local Members of Parliament, Mayors and Councillors from the City of Greater Dandenong, Casey City Council, and Cardinia Shire Council, community leaders, representatives from housing and homelessness organisations, and sector advocates. Their attendance demonstrated the importance of listening to community experiences and keeping housing affordability and homelessness firmly on the public agenda.
Guests heard from Mayor Cr. Sophie Tan about the value of local governments working across administrative boundaries for homelessness action.
Naomi Paterson spoke from her perspective as CEO of Cornerstone Conact Centre and member of the Dandenong Zero Executive group about the value of the Zero project in Dandenong, and the impact that funding for an expansion of this into Casey and Cardinia would make.
Acting SEHHA Chari Steve Nidenko then spoke about the purpose of the installation, and reflected on the growing challenges facing people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Finally, he launched the SEHHA’s priorities for strengthening the homelessness and housing system in the region:
Increase specialist homelessness service funding to meet service demand and fill service gaps across the South East
Fund assertive outreach services to reduce rough sleeping in the South East to Zero
Fund a new crisis supported accommodation facility to service Casey and Cardinia
Fund the establishment of a homelessness service access point in Cardinia
The success of the exhibition and morning tea was made possible through the efforts of many organisations and individuals. Community groups distributed origami house packs, volunteers supported the installation, local services engaged participants, and advocates helped share the project's message throughout the region.
Most importantly, we thank every person who contributed an origami house. The messages written on these small paper homes reflected experiences, aspirations and values that resonate across the community. Some spoke of safety, others of family or culture, while many reflected the fundamental human need for belonging and stability.
While the houses were made of paper, the issues they highlighted are very real. Across Victoria, rising housing costs and limited housing supply continue to place increasing pressure on individuals and families. Homelessness Week provides an opportunity to raise awareness, but it is also a reminder that lasting change requires sustained action, investment and commitment from all levels of government and the broader community.
As we reflect on this year's event, we celebrate the partnerships, community spirit and advocacy that made it possible. Together, we helped create space for important conversations about housing and homelessness - and together we can continue working towards a future where everyone has a safe place to call home.
Because a home is more than a house - it is the foundation from which people can thrive.
