Enhancing Aboriginal homelessness services

Last published on 16 Oct 2021 

Aboriginal people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness will receive better support under a $12 million NSW Government plan to boost the capacity of Aboriginal Controlled Community Organisations (ACCOs).

Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Alister Henskens said the Aboriginal Homelessness Sector Growth project will lead to more ACCOs delivering quality services and support to vulnerable people.

“The NSW Government is investing close to $300 million in homelessness services and this project builds on that record funding to address issues in Aboriginal communities,” Mr Henskens said.

“The initiative aims to prevent and respond to homelessness by enhancing services and support by Aboriginal people for Aboriginal people in Southern NSW, Western Sydney and the New England region.

“We will consult with Aboriginal communities and partner organisations in these areas to identify local priorities and co-design service delivery models that meet local needs.”

Priority groups for the initiative include Aboriginal people experiencing street sleeping, Aboriginal women and children that have experienced domestic and family violence, and young Aboriginal people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

The project follows the success of the Aboriginal-led Together Home project on the Central Coast which is helping 17 people off the streets and into secure housing with wrap-around support to address their individual needs.

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Don Harwin said the project would increase and expand service delivery for Aboriginal people.

“ACCOs already deliver a range of services and support to vulnerable people and this project will significantly enhance their skills and capacity to help prevent and respond to homelessness in their local communities,” Mr Harwin said.

The Aboriginal Homelessness Sector Growth project is expected to be underway in April 2022.

Download Media Release: Enhancing Aboriginal homelessness sector (PDF , 156.1 KB)