People experiencing homelessness are particularly vulnerable to weather-related natural disasters and emergencies, but have been less often considered in either research or preparedness education programs. There are currently over 105,000 homeless people in Australia including young people under 35, families and children, living in both urban and rural communities. In relation to emergencies and disasters, people who are homeless face particular challenges arising from limited or no access to transport, temperature-controlled or structurally safe housing, or to extra food, clothing or economic resources. Their vulnerability is heightened by low levels of literacy, isolation and invisibility, and pre-existing physical, mental and emotional stressors. This paper presents the first findings of a new, Australia-wide survey and in-depth case studies with the homeless community on risk awareness, preparedness and response. The paper provides initial evidence of the financial, physical and emotional impacts of extreme weather and natural disasters on service providers and people experiencing homelessness. It details the particular challenges that this community faces in relation to preparing for, surviving, and recovering from disasters. Using these research-findings, we present an initial set of guidelines for a new education program on disaster awareness and preparedness specifically targeted towards people experiencing homelessness.