It’s estimated that there’s at least 35,000 people experiencing homelessness in NSW and close to 2,000 people on the waitlist for social housing in Newcastle and Port Stephens alone.
Community Futures Director Steven Peart acknowledged that the face of homelessness is changing.
“The number of people sleeping rough has continued to rise and it’s not just those street sleeping – from couch surfing, living in overcrowded accommodation to families that have escaped domestic violence and are now sleeping in cars,” Mr Peart said.
“Port Stephens’ current data indicates that over 450 people are without secure housing, but the issue goes beyond housing. Many people are struggling to meet basic needs like food and essential household items, with our local services already stretched really thin.
“In April 2023, we established the Port Stephens ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾lessness Stakeholder Advocacy Group (HSAG) to bring stakeholders together to collaborate towards solutions that are more likely to see real results in our community,” he added.
The ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾lessness Stakeholder Advocacy Group comprises of 18 core members including the Member for Port Stephens and Member for Paterson, NSW Police, NSW Department of Communities and Justice, key community sector organisations, Local Aboriginal Land Councils and 2 community members.
Mr Peart said that one of the most beneficial outcomes of the group is the ability to share information and ideas, discuss and understand data and collaborate on projects at a Local Government Level.
“The group are dedicated, passionate and motivated and developed a 12 month action plan, which they reflected on at the final meeting of the current council term last week,” Mr Peart said.
“Along with advocacy to State Ministers and government officials, they’ve directed used furniture from Council owned holiday parks to Port Stephens based community service organisations and charities and developed an emergency food and crisis relief calendar outlining where to find food, vouchers and rental support across the community.
“Of note, they’ve also put a lot of effort into gaining support for social and affordable housing – with a 45% increase in the median house price in Port Stephens since 2018, this is crucial,” he added.
Over the next year, the HSAG will continue to focus on a range of new initiatives including a communications and support program for real estate agents to help frontline staff understand the options for those facing housing issues.
“The group will also be working with local service providers to roll out the End Street Sleeping program, which works towards a more coordinated approach to ending street sleeping in Port Stephens over the next 5 years,” Mr Peart said.
“At Council, we’re working to support the delivery of new housing on the ground, with the guidance of our new Local Housing Strategy, continuing to process Development Applications faster than others in the region, build on our investment attraction and increasing density in our town centres.
“We recognise that homelessness is a complex issue with no single solution, but success can be achieved through collaboration at all levels of government and the community sector.
“By bringing stakeholders together, we can collaborate towards solutions that are more likely to see real results in our community,” he added.
