Tackling homelessness together

16 May 2022

Parramatta locals sleeping rough are being helped into temporary accommodation and linked with support services as part of a two-week homelessness outreach drive led by the NSW Government.

Minister for Families and Communities Natasha Maclaren-Jones said the NSW Government will join forces with Police and specialist homelessness services to engage with at risk people around the Parramatta CBD.

“This initiative is about getting the whole community on board to lend a hand, to help people experiencing homelessness,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.

“With winter approaching, we are doing everything we can to assist people sleeping rough find a safe, warm place to stay and receive the support they need.

“This is just one of many outreach efforts across the state to help people turn their lives around.”

Member for Parramatta Geoff Lee said local businesses will play an important part in the outreach drive.

“Shopkeepers see the impact of homelessness on our streets every day. We want to empower these businesses to help tackle homelessness through informing them about the right avenues, whether that be referral to homelessness outreach or other services,” Mr Lee said.

Parramatta Commander Detective Superintendent Barry Vincent said police will work with the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) Assertive Outreach teams to engage with people sleeping rough..

“We want to ensure these vulnerable members of our community know that we are here to help and encourage them to access the service providers and support networks available to them,” Mr Vincent said.

The NSW Government funds a range of specialist homelessness services across NSW, including Uniting, which runs single men’s and single women’s homelessness services and family homelessness services in Parramatta.

Operations Manager Uniting Angela Daynes said the organisation will support the outreach drive by providing patrols alongside DCJ throughout the two-week period.

The Parramatta homelessness outreach drive runs from 16 to 27 May.

If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness, please call Link2home on 1800 152 152.