As we finalise our November news, the NSW Government has announced it will invest $130 million to upgrade and create new beds in crisis accommodation for people experiencing homelessness. The new beds will be available next year. This is a much needed and welcome investment that will make a difference to the lives of people experiencing homelessness or in housing crisis across NSW. Sadly, in the last few years, over half of people seeking support from specialist homelessness services were turned away due to lack of funding. Shelter NSW has been advocating for investment in crisis accommodation and SHS as well as in significant social housing supply so we can move to ‘Housing First’ response models over the medium to long term. 

In the NSW Government media release, Minister Jackson, Minister for Housing and Homelessness, said “It’s about making sure that when someone reaches out for help, there’s a door open, a bed ready, and the support they need to get back on their feet.” 

We could not agree more. Shelter NSW will work with NSW Government, the housing and homelessness sector, and other peak bodies to ensure service delivery makes the most of every dollar available to help people in need of support. We will also continue to advocate for the much need operational funding to keep these doors open. We will continue to advocate for more investment in social housing so that there are exit options for people in crisis accommodation.