Project updates


Project details

Responding to the needs of homeless people in the Inner West community

The need for this policy stems from the increased numbers of people being reported as sleeping rough in the Inner West Council area. The aim of the document is to assist Council in addressing the complex issues associated with the issue, and contribute to the multi-agency goal of helping people to exit homelessness.

Background

The numbers and locations of people sleeping rough have been documented through two late night street counts conducted in 2016; a Health NSW survey of Exodus clients; and the recording of rough sleepers identified by Council staff including rangers, community services, parks and waste services staff.

The challenge in managing this issue is the need to find a reasonable balance between respecting and acknowledging the rights of people who are homeless to be in public places, and Council’s responsibilities to provide a safe and peaceful environment for the wider community.

The draft policy therefore incorporates strategies to improve the wellbeing of people who are homeless and reduce homelessness, while minimising the impacts of homelessness on other residents and park users.

The draft policy is now on public exhibition. \\

You can also read a hard copy of the policy at Council's Customer Service Centres and at all Inner West Council Libraries.

Have your say

Online - using the form below

Mail - Ashfield Service Centre, 260 Liverpool Road, Ashfield NSW 2131. Please use the reference SC1478

The closing date for submissions is 30 January 2017.

What happens next?

Comments regarding the Draft policy will be considered and reported back to Council for consideration in March 2017. Once the policy is finalised and adopted by Council, the strategies and actions contained in the policy will be implemented. It is hoped that the policy will assist Council in addressing the complex issues associated with homelessness, and contribute to the multi-agency goal of helping people to exit homelessness.