LOCAL homelessness services believe the number of people sleeping rough in Coffs Harbour is being significantly undercounted.
Frontline workers say that many are now living in increasingly hidden and unsafe locations.
A count is conducted annually across NSW, with local homelessness service providers participating in the planning and count process in accordance with Homes NSW guidelines.
Gai Newman, Team Leader at Pete’s Place, the local St Vincent de Paul drop-in centre for people experiencing homelessness, said the annual Street Count figures do not reflect the true scale of the crisis in Coffs Harbour.
Ms Newman explained that the results are limited by the nature of the task.
“Going out in the dark to count people who don’t want to be found is bound to provide fewer than actual numbers,” she said.
“It’s not always possible to reach every location where people experiencing homelessness are sheltering.
“Some places that people shelter are remote, which makes it hard to conduct an accurate count.
“Last year’s count was easier because many long-term rough sleepers congregated near the Jetty.
“Since then, the area has been fenced off and people have moved to more out-of-the-way areas, which makes the count more challenging.”
According to Ms Newman, many people have since relocated to bushland, reserves, cemeteries, industrial areas, and other less visible spaces, which are also generally less safe.
“These new locations often lack basic facilities like running water and toilets.
“Some individuals sleep in small groups for safety, which can make them easier to locate.
“Others choose to stay alone in more remote areas for privacy or security reasons.”
Despite these challenges, services like Pete’s Place are doing what they can to track local needs and offer consistent, practical support.
Meanwhile, Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams confirmed that the Council is finalising a revision of their Homelessness Strategy, which will soon be released for public consultation.
“The draft Homelessness Strategy is targeted to come to a Council Meeting in the next couple of months, seeking support to go on public exhibition and get feedback,” Cr Williams said.
“It recognises the role of all levels of government and service providers in improving outcomes for rough sleepers in Coffs Harbour.”
A spokesperson for NSW Housing Minister Rose Jackson acknowledged the limitations of the Street Count, describing it as “a point-in-time snapshot” that doesn’t capture all forms of homelessness such as couch surfing or crisis accommodation.
The NSW Government is currently preparing a new 10-year Homelessness Strategy, with a focus on prevention, early intervention, and tailored support for vulnerable groups.
“We work collaboratively with local government to address homelessness and welcome the work of councils in driving their own strategies that address the unique challenges in their area,” the spokesperson said.
By Leigh WATSON
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