Homelessness

Shoalhaven City Council aims to make sure that our public spaces can be shared by all people including those who may be experiencing homelessness.

There are many forms of homelessness and Shoalhaven City Council takes into account the NSW Government’s definition of homelessness to ensure all people who are at risk are able to access support in our community. The NSW Government defines homelessness as being where a person does not have suitable accommodation which meets basic needs including a sense of security, stability, privacy, safety and the ability to control living space. This may be:

1. Primary: no conventional accommodation or shelter i.e. sleeping rough in parks, deserted buildings or on the streets
2. Secondary: living in shelters, emergency accommodation, refuges and couch surfing
3. Tertiary: living in accommodation that falls below minimum community standards i.e. boarding housing and caravan parks

Shoalhaven City Council works in partnership with government agencies, non-government services, community organisations and members of the community to resolve homelessness issues.

How we provide support

To ensure people who are experiencing homelessness are treated with dignity and respect and without discrimination, Council has endorsed the NSW Protocol for Homeless People in Public Places. This protocol guides Council in responding to the needs of homeless people.

Council aims to help ease the related issues that affect people who are experiencing homelessness in our community.

Do you need support?

If you need support with a crisis, housing, food, clothing or other support in the Shoalhaven visit this directory of relevant service providers:

• Path2home

For immediate support visit:

• Southern Cross Community Housing
• Safe Shelter - Salt Ministries
• Shoalhaven Homeless Hub

Walk in my shoes

Shoalhaven City Council works in partnership with government agencies, non-government services, community organisations and interested members of the community to address homelessness in the Shoalhaven.

Between 2017 and 2020, Council worked with and supported the Shoalhaven Homelessness Taskforce as a strategic advisory committee to advocate for and inform Council’s decision-making process related to homelessness in the Shoalhaven.

The Taskforce developed a series of hypothetical case studies to raise awareness of the experience of homelessness. 

View:

• Where Are You Sleeping Tonight?

Contact Us

Last updated on 07 June 2021