Frontline intake and referral for support and triage (FIRST) Canberra
Connecting you to the right support, at the right time.
FIRST Canberra is a welcoming service that helps people in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) manage challenges such as housing issues, safety, and social isolation, with care, respect and dignity.
Delivered by The Salvation Army Community Services Stream under a three-year agreement with the ACT Government, FIRST Canberra is main access point for referral, triage and intake services for the ACT’s housing and homelessness support system.
From 10 November 2025, FIRST Canberra will run the Central Intake Service (CIS) for the ACT.
How FIRST works
At FIRST, we will listen and understand to your situation, help you build on your strengths, and connect you with the services that best meet your needs.
Our team is committed to helping you access information, advice and referrals in a respectful, confidential and responsive way.
At FIRST, you can expect that we will:
- Treat you with dignity, respect, and without judgement
- Give you clear, up-to-date information about help available
- Respond flexibly and efficiently based on your needs
- Protect your personal information with confidentiality
- Involve you in discussions and decisions about your support needs
- Encourage that you give feedback — positive or negative — and respond fairly and quickly
While working with FIRST Canberra, you can:
- Have a friend, advocate, or interpreter support you
- Access information about your rights and our feedback process
- Ask for access to your personal information at any time
We ask that you:
- Treat FIRST Canberra staff with dignity and respect
- Provide accurate and up-to-date contact information
- Let us know if your situation change
- Share any concerns or feedback as soon as possible so we can help resolve them
Read our privacy policy and feedback and complaints process
Privacy and confidentiality
FIRST Canberra is committed to providing safe, confidential, and accessible services for all.
We only collect and share personal information with your permission — and you can take that back at any time.
All personal information is stored and managed in line with The Salvation Army’s Privacy Policy and ACT Government data requirements.
Interpreter service: Call 131 450 and ask for FIRST Canberra on 1800 176 468
Fax: 02 6285 1322 (please address to FIRST Canberra)
In-person support
Housing ACT Central Access Point Nature Conservation House Corner Emu Bank & Benjamin Way, Belconnen ACT 2617
Agency referrals
Agencies can submit referrals below.
Accessibility
If you cannot visit us in person, our team can arrange a phone or video appointment.
Reporting and transparency
FIRST Canberra works with the ACT Government to collect and report service data. This helps us understand what the community needs, and improve how people can access our help.
Data is collected in line with privacy and consent requirements and is used to:
- Show community demand and trends
- Improve the coordination of services
- Strengthen collaboration between homelessness and human service providers
Need help now?
If you or someone you know needs support with housing, homelessness, or community connection, contact us via below details today:
Call: 1800 176 468
Email: actcis@salvationarmy.org.au
About The Salvation Army
For over 140 years, The Salvation Army has walked alongside Australians doing it tough. Through our community services and support programs, we are here to offer hope, help, care and connection.
FIRST Canberra follows this mission — providing easy and accessible ways for you to find help when you need it.