Government's priority to reduce street homelessness
Having a safe, secure and stable home is still out of reach for far too many people. The most recent census data (2016) revealed that street homelessness makes up seven per cent of all homelessness in NSW. This means almost 2,600 people were living on NSW’s streets in 2016, at risk of illness, injury or death.
The NSW Government has committed to reducing street homelessness in NSW by 50 per cent by 2025, one of the NSW Government’s 14 priorities. The Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) is the lead agency responsible for delivering this priority.
We are committed to reducing street homelessness by focusing on initiatives to:
- collect and use better data to ensure we deliver the right kind of support to where they are needed most
- engage more directly and frequently with people who are experiencing street homelessness and ensuring they have a pathway to secure, stable and long-term housing
- build on and invest in prevention and early intervention.
Find out more about how we are working towards the Government's priority through:
Supporting people during the COVID-19 Pandemic
While COVID-19 continues to impact the broader community, people experiencing or at risk of street homelessness are particularly vulnerable. Not only do people experiencing homelessness often live in environments that are conducive to virus transmission (such as encampments and street sleeping), they are more likely to have chronic health conditions.
Since the start of the COVID-19 crisis, we have been reassuring our clients that we’re not going anywhere. Our essential services will continue to operate as we respond to COVID-19, including support with housing and homelessness. Information about how to access support is available on DCJ’s dedicated COVID-19 website.
Do you need help?
Our essential services will continue to operate as we respond to COVID-19, including support with housing and homelessness.
Temporary Accommodation
If you or anyone you know experiencing homelessness or is at risk of homelessness, call Link2home on 1800 152 152. Link2home is available state wide, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Specialist staff will provide tailored, individual solutions, including temporary accommodation and connections with support services.
Homelessness support
If you are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or you need to find services on behalf of someone else, you can use Ask Izzy.
Ask Izzy is a search tool to help people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness find shelter, food, health and other critical support services.
You can also contact your nearest social housing provider for housing advice and assistance.