15 September 2016 – Media Release
Cumberland Council is taking strong action to deal with homelessness and Administrator Viv May has guaranteed support for the issue locally.
“Homelessness in the Cumberland Area is definitely a priority. While Council is already dealing with the issue on various fronts, more is planned once the Youth Needs Assessment Study and further research has been completed. This research will support Cumberland Council in further addressing this important issue, Mr May said.
Council has a number of different strategies to tackle homelessness, including:
- Council partners with a number of specialist homelessness, crisis and welfare support services on key projects and initiatives such as Salvation Army, Barnardos and Konparto in Merrylands.
- Council also subsidises two key agencies, Evolve Housing and Youth off the Streets, which enables these services to extend their reach and deliver their important services.
- Council is currently undertaking research to get a clearer picture of homelessness in the area including a Youth Needs Assessment Study.
- Council Officers are often the first point of contact for people facing homelessness and they regularly provide assessments and referrals to specialist support services.
- Council’s community centres, youth centres and other facilities also provide a base for support for people at risk or experiencing homelessness and act as a distribution point for meals and vouchers. Some facilities also provide access to showering and washing machine facilities.
- Cumberland Council is one of the only providers of social housing in NSW through the delivery of 77 seniors units. Priority access for these units are reserved for seniors facing homelessness.
