‘One-stop hub’ could help homeless

The Minister for Housing has promised to visit Woolloomooloo with Lord Mayor Clover Moore to see first-hand the 80 or so people who sleep out each night.

Over one fifth of rough sleepers identified in the City’s Street Count in February were in Woolloomooloo, including many people with multiple issues that create barriers to them obtaining stable housing.

Ms Moore says the problem is because of serious delays in providing public housing and the support programs needed to help people remain in housing.

“The Minister told Parliament that he will consider my proposal for a ‘One Stop Outreach Hub’ where government, health and welfare agencies and Council can process applications quickly and fast-track people into accommodation,” she said.

Asked about progress on the one-stop hub idea, a spokesperson for Housing Minister David Borger said, “The Minister is looking at all options for increasing services to support homeless people in Woolloomooloo.”

A Homelessness Outreach Service, jointly funded by Housing NSW and the City, engages with rough sleepers on the street and helps them get into housing. They also provide a support team to help with tenancy and living skills for 12 months until a person’s tenancy is stable.

Since 2006, this Service has had over 10,000 encounters with alienated rough sleepers to build trust relationships. Its Outreach Team has worked with nearly 500 clients, and the Support Team has helped nearly 400 clients maintain their accommodation.

However the outreach team is fully engaged and there are plenty more who need help.
The City along with government agencies has placed 17 people in stable accommodation, with another eight still waiting.

Matthew Talbot Hostel staff helped house 17 people last year and five this year.

“Although homelessness is not a Council responsibility, the City has
taken the lead with its proactive Homelessness Strategy,” said Ms Moore.

“The NSW Government must take the lead on homelessness with fast-tracked housing and support, and invest in an appropriate building and support services.”

by Michael Gormly