Homelessness in Public Spaces

All members of the community, including those who are homeless, have a right to be treated with dignity, respect and empathy.

Council acknowledges the rights of all members of the community, including those who are homeless, to use Council services, programs and public spaces. Local governments and community organisations play an important part in preventing, reducing, and managing homelessness through monitoring homelessness and referral to local services.

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Compared to other LGAs, Woollahra has a comparatively low number of homeless people.

The objectives of Woollahra Council’s Woollahra Homelessness in Public Spaces Policy(PDF, 687KB) are to:

  • Treat homeless people with dignity and respect;
  • Ensure the safety of our community;
  • Protect the rights of all members of the community; and
  • Provide information about homelessness support services.
Emergency Services (000) should be contacted if a homeless person is presenting as a danger to themselves or others. 

Resources

Crisis Support

  • Missionbeat - 1800 306 461
     Missionbeat provides crisis intervention, on street support, welfare assistance, case management, transport, bedding, access to food and medical care, and housing support. If a homeless person requests support, call 1800 306 461.
  • Link 2 Home - 1800 152 152
     An NSW Statewide homelessness information and referral telephone service. This service operates 24/7, every day of the year.
  • Jewish House - 1300 544 357
    Jewish House operate a 24/7 crisis line, which offers support for people experiencing drug and alcohol addiction, suicidal thoughts, domestic violence, and homelessness. 
  • Caretakers Cottage - 02 9389 0999
     Crisis accommodation and support for young people aged 13-17 years. 
  • Lifeline - 13 11 14
     Provides 24/7 mental health and crisis support. 

Urgent & Temporary Accommodation

General Support for those experiencing homelessness

Council's Role

Council:

  • Connects residents to information and referral pathways;
  • Provides training and information to relevant Council staff and local businesses to ensure a consistent approach regarding homelessness in our Municipality;
  • Participates in an Annual Street Count;
  • Is an active member in Eastern Suburbs Homelessness Assertive-outreach Collaboration (ESHAC); and 
  • Sponsors the not-for-profit Women's Housing Company for up to three years to provide ten secure units of accommodation for ten mothers and their children escaping domestic abuse to allow them to remain living close to where they have support networks. Find out more about the Domestic & Family Violence Accommodation & Support Program, Proudly supported by Woollahra Council. 
  • Council does not 'move' a person on just because they are homeless - we act when a person requests assistance, appears distressed or in need of help, is behaving in a way that threatens their safety or the safety of others, or if they are preventing us from regular service provision, e.g. parks maintenance. Find out more about Council's role in our Supporting people experiencing homelessness brochure(PDF, 191KB).

How you can help

  • Be respectful and compassionate
  • Don't assume a homeless person needs your help. It's always best to start with a smile, a wave, or a friendly conversation
  • You don't need to report the presence of homeless people to police, Council or a support agency
  • If a person experiencing homelessness is at immediate risk of harm, or is directly threatening the safety of others, please call 000.
  • For more information on ways you can help a homeless person, and council's role, read our Supporting people experiencing homelessness brochure(PDF, 191KB).
Enquiries

For more information, please contact:

The Community Development Team
Telephone: 9391 7000
Email: community@woollahra.nsw.gov.au

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