Funding boost helps the homeless in the Shoalhaven

5 May 2022

Access to laundry, bathroom, shower facilities and other vital assistance for people sleeping rough in the Shoalhaven has been guaranteed with the NSW Government stepping in to support the relocation of a local homelessness centre.

Minister for Families and Communities Natasha Maclaren-Jones said additional funding will enable Nowra-based Shoalhaven Homeless Hub, run by Supported Accommodation and Homelessness Services Shoalhaven Illawarra (SAHSSI), to move operations to a nearby facility.

“I’ve seen first-hand the important work that the Homeless Hub does in Nowra. It needs facilities that can be relied upon by the community. That’s why we’ve stepped in to ensure the amazing staff can continue to do the work that is essential to the community,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.

“This additional investment will ensure people sleeping rough can continue to receive the local support they need.”

As part of the funding arrangement, the NSW Government will provide more than $25,000 per annum to cover additional leasing costs.

The NSW Government will also contribute a one-off allocation of $6,600 to support SAHSSI to move the Shoalhaven Homelessness Hub to a new premises, also in Nowra, in 2023.

Local Member for the South Coast Shelley Hancock said that these services will help those in need.

“At a time when services are needed more than ever before, it is so important that we help where we can.  I am so pleased that the Hub can continue to help more people break the cycle of disadvantage,” Mrs Hancock said.

“Providing individuals and families a central place to get the right support is key to tackling homelessness.

“This funding will ensure people sleeping rough in the Shoalhaven continue to receive the assistance they need to help turn their lives around.”

The Hub will continue to provide a range of information, advice and referrals to specialist homelessness and housing services. This includes access to direct services such as showers, laundry facilities and emergency relief, along with counselling, case management and skills training and development.

Manager, Shoalhaven Services of SAHSSI Lesley Labka welcomed the funding commitment from the NSW Government.

"SAHSSI is grateful and relieved to receive this funding, which has allowed us to find a new home for our Homeless Hub,” Ms Labka said.

“We thank the Minister and the Department for their confidence in SAHSSI and their acknowledgement of the importance this service holds for the increasing number of homeless people in the Shoalhaven."