Homelessness
We work closely with allied services to reduce its impact in Sydney.
Why we’re doing this
Homelessness is a complex issue with no single solution. Our homelessness unit works 7 days a week to reduce homelessness and its impact in Sydney.
Action areas
Working in partnership with government, non-profit organisations and the corporate sector, we aim to:
- facilitate rough sleepers out of homelessness
- prevent people from becoming entrenched in homelessness
- help reduce homelessness in other regions
- make sure people are assisted out of homelessness quickly
- enact a compassionate and proactive approach to the management of public space.
How we’re doing this
We’re investing $6.6 million over 3 years to operate our homelessness unit, which has been operating since 1984.
We’re the only council in NSW with a dedicated homelessness service. This includes $4.2 million funding for services to reduce homelessness through Family and Community Services NSW.
We take an active role in creating opportunities for partners to work collaboratively or come together to exchange new information and learn from each other.
Inner Sydney Registry Week 2015
From 30 November to 2 December, 516 people experiencing homelessness participated in a survey across inner Sydney.
The registry survey was conducted by our homelessness unit in partnership with The Haymarket Foundation, Neami National, Homelessness NSW and the Mercy Foundation.
The survey results are summarised in the infographic, Homelessness in Sydney. A full report on the results is available on the Homelessness NSW website.
Homelessness in Sydney Youth — Statistics gathered from a survey involving 516 people experiencing homelessness across inner Sydney from 30 November to 2 December 2015.Image: City of Sydney
Programs and initiatives
Community support & funding
Responding to homeless hotspotsMultiple issues and stakeholders are impacted where a large group of people are sleeping rough.Public health & safety programs
Street countsHelp us monitor progress and develop responses to reduce the numbers of people experiencing homelessness in the local area.Public health & safety programs
Public space liaison officersProvide a compassionate and respectful response to address issues arising from the impact of homelessness in public places.Community support & funding
Way2HomeA service established in 2010 that helps people experiencing homelessness move into long-term housing and re-engage with communities.Community support & funding
Woolloomooloo Integrated Services HubAlso known as WISH, the 1-stop shop provides direct services to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.Improving streets & public spaces
Planning works to improve WoolloomoolooAn important part of the 2030 in Your Village project, which also looked at 9 other key areas.In progress · Woolloomooloo
Guides
How to assist people experiencing homelessness or food insecurity
This guide provides advice on who to contact before you offer assistance to people experiencing homelessness or food insecurity.
Published 11 January 2023