Homelessness Rising in Sydney’s Inner City

The number of people sleeping rough in Sydney’s inner city has surged to 346, marking a 24% increase from last year, according to the latest street count by the City of Sydney.

Conducted in the early hours of February 25, the annual summer count involved more than 100 volunteers surveying streets and parks. The findings highlight an alarming shortage of crisis accommodation, with government-funded beds at 98% capacity. Notably, 18% of those sleeping rough are non-residents, making them ineligible for social or crisis housing and specialist homelessness support.

In response, Lord Mayor Clover Moore AO announced a significant financial contribution from the City of Sydney to support an organization providing crisis accommodation for individuals with complex health needs. This funding, alongside contributions from the NSW Government and Bridge Housing, aims to expand immediate accommodation options for those in urgent need.

“In a city as wealthy as Sydney, it’s unacceptable that so many people are without a safe place to sleep,” said Lord Mayor Clover Moore.
“While homelessness is the NSW Government’s responsibility, we are doing everything we can to provide urgent support for people on the streets.

Our grant, combined with the NSW Government’s contribution, will help the Haymarket Foundation relocate to a new property, allowing it to continue its intensive support services for those facing multiple challenges, including mental health issues, drug and alcohol dependency, trauma, disability, and HIV.”

The Lord Mayor emphasized the critical need for more permanent, supported housing options, particularly as public mental health services face increasing pressure and limited support is available for non-residents.

The City of Sydney was the first Australian council to establish a dedicated homelessness unit and has been conducting street counts for years to track trends and assess the effectiveness of support strategies.

For more information on the City of Sydney’s efforts to address homelessness, visit:
🔗 cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/public-health-safety-programs/street-counts

📞 Media Enquiries:

• Roxanne Macara | 0438 554 640 | rmacara@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

• Interviews with Lord Mayor Clover Moore: Paul Mackay | 0436 816 604 | pmackay@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au