Together Home Program, street count figures show rise in homelessness with 280 people sleeping rough and social housing near capacity

Heartbreaking new statistics show a rise in the number of rough sleepers in Sydney’s inner west, as advocates call for more funding to get homeless people into housing.

New stats show residents are sleeping rough on inner west streets – and in desperate need of more social housing – leading to calls for the NSW Government to secure permanent funding on “lifesaving” program.

But a government intiative, the Together Home Program, which sees $36 million investments in housing doesn’t have permanent funding despite pleas from community groups.

According to Family and Community Services street count figures, 280 people are sleeping rough in Sydney, with requests for crisis and temporary accommodation beds show a 3.6 per cent increase with a 96 per cent occupancy rate.

Social advocates, Bridge Housing, is urgently calling for the government intiative’s extension and a permanent fund to be set up.

Bridge Housing COO Simone Parsons

Bridge Housing COO Simone Parsons, said the evaluation of the Together Home program was “proof that there is a solution”.

“The annual street count reaffirms what we already know, Sydney has a housing problem.,” she said. “The increase in occupancy of crisis and temporary accommodation beds underscores the urgent need for more housing and sustained support.”

Homeless tent and rough living is occurring along the Bicentennial Bikeway from Victoria Bridge.

“We need to focus on the transformative power of initiatives like Together Home, it’s time for the NSW to commit to permanent funding.”

Together home figures showed that 64 per cent survey participants indicated that their health had improved since being in the program, 96 per cent of respondents said their housing had adequate access to services and housing needs in general.

Petersham resident Travis Byrnes has been homeless for the majority of his life, but said the program was essential to saving the lives of the homeless.

“It’s helped me and many people get housing in inner west when we haven’t had access to those things in the past where we’ve been either being stuck in hotels or temporary assistance,” he said.

Travis Byrnes has been apart of the program for four years

“Whether it’s just sit down and talk, get my frustrations out or help with finances, I really believe that it has the ability to solve homelessness.

“If it wasn’t for this program, I would’ve definitely ended up back in prison and end up relapsing drugs and things like that.”

Homes NSW acknowledged the ongoing housing crisis across the state and remains committed to addressing homelessness and ensuring access to safe and secure housing is made available for vulnerable people in need.

“With City of Sydney’s 2024 street count data showing a rise in people sleeping rough in the city it’s clear there is a pressing need for comprehensive support and intervention,” a spokesman said.

“$28m is also being invested in Together Home to support clients and new supply, meaning all current Together Home clients will continue to be supported into long term housing and an enduring.”