Many people in critical need of a home will have an easier time accessing NSW Government housing and Temporary Accommodation, thanks to changes pushed for by our Homeless Persons’ Legal Service (HPLS) and StreetCare advocates.
Homes NSW recently announced two pilot programs targeting people who are experiencing homelessness and who face additional barriers to getting support.
One program will trial fast-tracked housing support for people with complex needs who are homeless and being supported by a homelessness service. People will be eligible for this support if they have a long history of rough sleeping and/or mental health concerns, and cannot independently engage with their local Homes NSW office. The extra support aims to speed up their transition into a secure home.
Another pilot will make it easier for people to re-apply for Temporary Accommodation, known as TA. This short-term accommodation should be a circuit breaker, giving people in crisis a stable place to stay and regroup while they find a more permanent home. But people who successfully apply for TA are only given a few days of relief, then have to re-apply for an extension.
‘For years, HPLS and StreetCare advocates have highlighted unrealistic re-application requirements for TA,’ explains JEC Policy Officer Alannah Daly.
‘People have to visit government service centres every few days, where they regularly face long waits and report feeling traumatised and disrespected.’
‘This trial, which will let people re-apply over the phone, is sensible and long-overdue. It will give people in crisis time back to seek other supports and longer-term accommodation.’
The Homes NSW announcement follows determined advocacy by HPLS and StreetCare, working closely with the Sydney Zero coalition.
‘We urge Homes NSW to make these pilot programs on-going,’ says Alannah. ‘And we hope they are followed by further improvements to social housing operations and support, which provide an essential social safety-net.’
