Harbourside Housing and Homeless Hub evicted from Coffs Harbour CBD offices

Director of homeless hub arrives to find doors locked while letter from estate agent claims owner “inundated” with complaints.

There were emotional scenes at a local charity on Friday after the director arrived to find the locks were changed and there was a sign on the door indicating they had been evicted.

Harbourside Housing and Homeless Hub supports those in Coffs Harbour who are homeless or struggling financially by offering food, bedding and other items while also helping them to find accommodation.

Busy packing up the hub were volunteers Karen Madden and Debby Bennett who both expressed shock and dismay at the decision.

As manager, Ms Bennett had overseen significant growth since it opened in February as people gradually began to trust the many volunteers who offered both practical and emotional support.

“On a personal level I am gutted, I really am. I feel like someone has just stabbed us in the back for doing something that we know is right,” she said.

The sign on the door of the Harbourside Housing and Homeless Hub after the charity was evicted. Photo: Tim Jarrett

With the region’s housing crisis intensifying, Ms Madden said it was common for people to seek help simply because their rent had been raised significantly at the end of a lease.

“These are families, mum, dad, children, everyday people that can’t afford that type of rent. They are living in sheds, in caravan parks and in tents. We are supporting them emotionally and financially.

“We are not only helping homeless people we are helping people who are underprivileged, people who are virtually living from one paycheck to another.

Concerns were raised in recent weeks about how the charity was operating within the City Boulevard Arcade and The Advocate has seen a letter from LJ Hooker Commercial which states the organisation was occupying the premises in contradiction to the lease terms and conditions.

The letter states the owner had been “inundated” with complaints from tenants in the arcade with regards to the use of the common property, including amenities. It adds that if the situation is not rectified within 24 hours, the owner would take possession of the property.

Manager of Harbourside Housing and Homeless Hub in Coffs Harbour, Debby Bennett. Photo: Tim Jarrett

Director of the hub, Dean Evers, was staying positive and said he was already looking to source a new location. He said they would “bat on” and find a location where people “won’t be judged and will feel safe”.

However, he highlighted the challenges for organisations, such as the hub, in finding an appropriate space to rent.

“Where can we do it? It’s not retail, it’s not factory so where does it fit in the scheme of allowable usage of land?” he said.

“It’s an uphill battle but it is not going to stop us, we will find another way.”

The owners of the building, C.ex Group, have been contacted for comment.