Decrease in city homeless

Sydney Council says less people are sleeping rough this winter.

A street count found 289 people sleeping on our city streets and surrounds, compared to last winter’s count of 399 and 418 last summer.

Homelessness NSW CEO, Sue Cripps says the decrease can be attributed to the various initiatives to see homeless move into to homes.

“I think we are beginning to see some of the results of the investments of programs . . . that is why I think we are starting to see a drop in numbers,” she said.

Led by 178 volunteers, the Street Count covered areas of the City of Sydney, and was conducted during the early hours of August 17, in temperatures as low as seven degrees.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore believes the figures reflect the persistent efforts of the campaign.

“The City of Sydney’s Homelessness Unit staff along with volunteers and partners are working tirelessly to provide vital support and safe accommodation alternatives to sleeping rough,” she said.

Director of Sydney Homeless Connect, Andrew Everingham, believes a holistic, community approach to this issue is vital to continue seeing positive results.

“I think homelessness is one of those problems that, if everyone works together – government, private sector, charities, individuals – real change can be swift and significant,” he said.

“The City’s programs have helped people get off the streets although we will need to monitor successive counts to demonstrate that numbers continue to go down,” said City of Sydney’s homelessness spokesperson, Liz Giles.

Despite various initiatives being immensely beneficial to addressing community misconceptions and the issue itself, the stakes are still high.

“The need to still drive programs that assist those still out there on the streets or at risk of becoming homeless have never been greater,” said Director of Sydney Homeless Connect, Andrew Everingham.

“We need to deal with the issues that lead people to homelessness and ensure their path off the street is supported with health and other support services including helping them reconnect with the local community,” Ms Giles said.

The bi-annual Street Counts are testament to the City’s ongoing commitment to ending chronic homelessness by 2017.

By Sophie Cousins