More support for homeless

The Cumberland Council initiative will be supported by One Voice, Orange Sky and Vinnies, who will provide shower and clothes washing facilities, as well as food and outreach support services.
Based on the latest census report and Homelessness NSW data, Cumberland is ranked fourth in terms of the highest number of homeless individuals among LGAs in NSW, with 2,220 homeless.
“That’s 2,220 too many,” said chair of the council’s homelessness advisory committee, Deputy Mayor Ola Hamed.
She said providing the homeless with access to such necessities could be the first step to getting them off the streets.
“Providing the basics could mean the difference between a community member experiencing homelessness, seeking assistance through support services, attempting to gain housing or even finding employment,” she said.
“As humans, one of our most basic needs is shelter. Having a place to come home to every day provides stability, safety and dignity.
“An example of lived experience which resonated with me was that rough sleepers who don’t have access to showers or clean clothes, may feel embarrassed to walk into a Centrelink office to inquire about why their payments have been stopped. This often means they go without any money for food and other necessary items.”
The lack of available “basic human rights” such as Outreach Services, including basic necessities such as showering, washing of clothes, crisis food, social interaction, and referral to case work and direct services, was identified in the council’s State of Homelessness report.