New Fund Launched to Address Homelessness in NSW

The Minns Labor Government has announced a $100 million Homelessness Innovation Fund, aimed at tackling the growing homelessness crisis across New South Wales, including Newcastle, where homelessness remains a pressing issue. The 2024 NSW Street Count revealed a 26% rise in rough sleeping over the past year, highlighting the urgency of this intervention.

In Newcastle, the number of people facing housing stress and homelessness has been increasing over recent years. Reports from the City of Newcastle suggest that more than 1,800 individuals were assisted by Specialist Homelessness Services in the area during the 2019-20 period, with housing stress becoming a significant concern for those spending over 30% of their income on rent or mortgage payments. The local impact of the housing crisis, combined with rising rents and reduced affordable housing options, has made innovative solutions crucial.

Rose Jackson, NSW Minister for Housing and Homelessness, emphasised the importance of partnering with local organisations to address homelessness. The new fund will provide resources to community housing providers and frontline services, enabling them to explore new approaches to crisis accommodation, early intervention, and more permanent housing solutions. It aims to reduce the state’s reliance on expensive temporary accommodation options like hotels and motels, which have been widely used in Newcastle due to the lack of alternative housing.

With rising numbers of women and children fleeing domestic violence, many of whom are at risk of homelessness, the fund’s approach will focus on providing more comprehensive support and crisis services. The initiative also aligns with the state’s broader $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW program, which seeks to address housing availability and affordability across the state.

As Newcastle continues to grapple with housing stress and homelessness, this investment is expected to deliver meaningful change, with local services playing a pivotal role in driving innovative solutions.

For more details on the Homelessness Innovation Fund, applications will open mid-September and remain active until June 2025.