Breaking the cycle of rough sleeping

Last published on 10 Jul 2019 

The NSW Government has reaffirmed its commitment to halving rough sleeping across the state by 2025, injecting funds to help tackle the ambitious target.

Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward has announced the latest figures that show the Government's record investment of $1 billion a year towards reducing homelessness is making a difference.

"Since March 2017, more than 450 people sleeping rough have been helped into long-term permanent accommodation," Mr Ward said.

"We also know that 92 per cent of people previously sleeping rough in Sydney who were helped into housing in the two years to March 2019 have sustained their tenancies."

"We have come a long way in breaking the cycle of rough sleeping across our state, but there is still much more to be done to meet this priority."

Mr Ward also announced a $300,000 investment, to help coordinate project delivery with the non-Government sector through the establishment of the End Street Sleeping Collaboration.

The Hon Graham West, who convenes the group of NGO's and Government organisations under the landmark agreement signed last year, said it was a vital step forward.

"These funds lay the foundation for the Government's pursuit of the ambitious targets that we have set in relation to homelessness," Mr West said.

"It will help establish an office, board and working groups which will drive the collaboration of homelessness services and systems and help break the cycle of rough sleeping in NSW."

The new body will also co-ordinate data on street sleeping and report on progress towards the target.

The 2019-20 Budget delivered $1 billion towards a range of homelessness and social and affordable housing programs, which contribute to the goal to reduce rough sleeping across NSW by 50 per cent by 2025.

Download Media Release: Breaking the cycle of rough sleeping (PDF, 153.9 KB)