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Cumberland City Council highlights Homelessness Awareness Week

Cumberland City Council is working with a number of specialised outreach service providers who reach out to assist rough sleepers.
30 Jul 2020

Cumberland City Council is working with a number of specialised outreach service providers who reach out to assist rough sleepers.

“Cumberland City has the second highest rate of homeless people in NSW,” Mayor of Cumberland City Council Steve Christou said.

“This is a complex issue we are addressing front-on, alongside service providers from the likes of Mission Australia and Housing NSW Outreach Team.

“The impacts of COVID-19 have exacerbated the challenges faced by the homelessness population. These are real people suffering from real issues; relationship breakdowns, loss of employment, mental and physical health problems and drug and alcohol abuse, to name just some. Council, in partnership with specialist service providers, continues to pave the way for people to receive the help they need, to live with the dignity they deserve.”

Since March this year, Council and local specialist service providers have assisted more than 15 rough sleepers, with four of the people who were experiencing homelessness now part of pathways to long-term housing.

In 2018, Cumberland City Council led a Homelessness Sector Forum, along with an expert roundtable with 76 representatives across the housing and homelessness sector, which focused on the need for affordable housing.

“This isn’t an issue we can tackle alone. We require ongoing assistance from Housing NSW and other state government bodies to ensure homelessness and housing responsibilities are met,” Mayor Steve Christou said.

As part of Homelessness Awareness Week (3 August 2020 – 7 August 2020), Cumberland City Council will be hosting a range of online training webinars on how to engage with rough sleepers for Council staff, businesses, community leaders and community organisations.