More than 700 people who were sleeping rough across NSW have been helped into temporary accommodation during the lockdown to keep them safe and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Alister Henskens said the NSW Government has committed $22.3 million for temporary accommodation to support people sleeping rough during the latest outbreak.
“We’re ramping up assertive outreach patrols across Greater Sydney to engage with people sleeping rough and offer them temporary accommodation,” Mr Henskens said.
“While providing immediate shelter during the lockdown is important, our focus is always to provide a pathway to secure, long-term housing.
“We will be working closely with people who come into temporary accommodation to find them a home, engage them with services and support and help them stay off the streets for good.”
The recently announced expansion of Together Home will support more permanent housing solutions for people currently in temporary accommodation.
Since Together Home was established last year, more than 460 people who were sleeping rough have been helped into housing, after spending time in temporary accommodation.
Together Home involves securing homes from the private rental market and delivers intensive tailored supports to meet the complex needs of the people in the program.
The NSW Government has also committed an additional $10 million for rent assistance packages to help victims of domestic violence and young people secure or maintain housing in the private rental market.
Anyone who is homeless or at risk of homelessness can call Link2home on 1800 152 152. Staff are available 24-7 to provide information and referrals to services, including temporary accommodation.