In addition to delivering and managing community housing, CHL operates localised homelessness programs including Eastern Metropolitan Melbourne, Gippsland, the Kempsey region in New South Wales and Maryborough in Queensland. These programs provided services to more than 12,300 people in FY26, including referral to specialist support providers.
As part of Homelessness Week 2026, we spoke to Priya about her 20 years at CHL including her current role as Victorian Homelessness Services Manager. In her role Priya helps lead teams that provide practical support to people navigating some of the most challenging times in their lives.
“Homelessness isn’t always visible. While rough sleeping is often the most visible form of homelessness, many people are living in temporary, overcrowded or insecure accommodation, including motels, caravan parks, crisis accommodation or couch surfing with family and friends,” says Priya.
“Our work becomes more involved every year with the rising number of people needing support, more complex needs and the limited resources available at times. Seeing people come to our service in incredibly vulnerable situations, often with little to no hope, has strengthened my commitment to this work. When someone secures housing, it’s more than finding a roof over their head. There’s a renewed sense of stability and the chance to start looking ahead again. Those are the moments that make this work worthwhile.”
“Our Victorian services have seen over the past few years changing trends in the people seeking support. More than half of those assisted during 2025–26 had not previously engaged with CHL, suggesting many were reaching out for help for the first time. Women represented around 50–60% of people supported, with the largest age group being 36–45 years, followed by people aged 26–35.”
Priya’s time at CHL has also been shaped by the people she works alongside. “I’ve been fortunate to work with incredible colleagues whose passion, kindness and shared commitment to helping people inspires me every day.”
While much of Priya’s work happens behind the scenes, it plays a vital role in helping frontline teams deliver the best possible outcomes. “My role centres on supporting and developing teams to deliver positive outcomes for people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness. A big part of what I do is making sure our teams have the guidance, resources and support they need to provide high-quality services.”
“For me it’s important that I’m supporting them as individuals. Our teams are balancing a lot and while it is very rewarding, it is also very challenging. Checking in and making space for debriefing and wellbeing for our people is key. Our team are resilient and motivated and it’s part of my role to help make sure they are supported to maintain their motivation and energy in the challenging roles they have,” Priya explains.
Her role also involves building strong relationships with partner organisations, stakeholders and local communities, recognising that one organisation alone cannot solve homelessness.
Every day brings something different. One moment Priya could be meeting with external partners, the next she’s helping team members navigate a complex situation, working on a project or collaborating on funding requests. It’s work that requires flexibility, collaboration and quick thinking.
Over the past two decades, CHL has also given Priya opportunities to continue growing professionally, including training, development and an interstate secondment.
If there’s one lesson Priya has learnt during her time at CHL and in the sector, it’s to never underestimate the resilience of people. “I’ve heard many personal stories over the years and seen people find the strength to overcome incredible challenges and rebuild their lives.”
For Priya, the sense of belonging is one of the most important parts of that journey. The moment someone is handed the keys to a safe home, everything changes.
“The relief is immediate. You see hope return. People no longer feel alone. It’s another chance to change the direction of their life by reconnecting with family, friends, education and employment. It’s about finding a new purpose and knowing there are people who genuinely care.”
Twenty years on, it’s clear what continues to drive Priya: very conversation, partnership and opportunity that helps move another individual or family toward a safer, more secure future. Learn more about Homelessness Week 2026 here.
