Shelter Housing Action Cairns (well known as SHAC) is a non-for-profit organisation located in tropical Cairns,  Queensland. In November 1987, SHAC was established after a need was identified during the International Year of Shelter for the Homeless. In May 1988, SHAC commenced providing accommodation and tenancy assistance to the Cairns community for families who were homeless or at risk of homelessness. 

For over thirty years, SHAC has grown and developed to respond to the needs of families in Cairns, shaping service delivery to what it is today.  Currently this includes:

Temporary supported accommodation and case managed support to approximately 300 Cairns families per year who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Support is offered in the form of advocacy, information, education and referral pathways - all of which aim to reduce barriers to housing and increase housing access.
The My Money Program: a free and confidential financial support service which assists over 200 families and individuals every year to maintain and sustain their tenancy. This includes financial counselling, budgeting, increasing income, reducing debt, assessing housing affordability and building financial safety nets.
The No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS): providing over 850 safe, affordable, no interest loans a year to individuals and families on a low income. Loans up to $1500 are available for essential goods and services. Repayments are set at an affordable amount over 12 to 18 months.