Guy Johnson

Guy is a Professor of Urban Housing and Homelessness. He has been involved in the area of precarious housing and homelessness for over three decades, initially as a practitioner and more recently as a researcher. Guy has extensive knowledge of existing homelessness research, current homelessness policies, and is well acquainted with the homelessness service system.

Drawing on innovative mix of methodologies including longitudinal studies, randomised controlled trials, as well as in-depth qualitative work, Guy's  research investigates theoretical and applied questions relating to the dynamics of homelessness and housing. His research has contributed extensively to government policy and agency practice that address the housing and support needs of disadvantaged and low income households.

He has co-authored a number of books, over 80 reports and refereed papers, as well as 8 book chapters. He has served on numerous Government committees and advisory bodies, and is a regular presenter at public and policy forums. He has been awarded grants from the ARC and AHURI and has conducted numerous research projects with various industry partners including The Salvation Army, HomeGround Services, Sacred Heart Mission and Melbourne Central Mission.

Guy is recognized nationally and internationally as a leader in innovative policy and practice relevant research. He is currently an Honorary Principal Research Fellow at The Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, The University of Melbourne, and in 2015 spent 12 months in the US as a Visiting Scholar at the School of Social Policy and Practice, University of Pennsylvania.

Guy currently supervises 5 PhD students and welcomes enquiries from prospective PhD scholars.

Guy in the inaugural Director of the Unison Housing Research Lab at RMIT University, an industry led partnership that aims to address the ongoing issue of housing insecurity and homelessness in a way that looks at both the existing failings in the housing system and preventative measures to help alleviate disadvantage.

Prior to his appointment he was Director of the Centre for Applied Social Research (CASR) at RMIT University.

Other activities:

• Oceania, Editor in Chief, International Journal of Homelessness.
• International Advisory Committee, European Journal of Homelessness
• Member, ABS Homelessness Statistics Reference Group (HSRG).

• PhD, RMIT University, 2006
• M.A (Social Policy), Monash University, 1994
• B.Bus (Mkt), Monash University, 1992
• B.A (Hons), Monash University, 1992

Guy's background in the homelessness sector has contributed to his ongoing engagement with a broad range of Industry partners.

He has been awarded over 20 research contracts with various industry partners including Unison Housing, The Salvation Army, HomeGround Services, Sacred Heart Mission and Melbourne Central Mission, as well as receiving grants from the ARC and AHURI.