Former Jetty backpackers site to provide accommodation for the homeless

MISSION Australia will provide temporary accommodation for the homeless in a new initiative in the Coffs Harbour Jetty area.

Mission Australia Housing bought the previous Jetty Blue Backpackers building in Collingwood Street last year and after renovating the 23-room residence, plans to have the accommodation available by August 2026.

A Mission Australia spokesperson said, “The location of the backpackers site allows people experiencing homelessness to stay close to their community and amenities they need.

“By renovating the building, we can offer quality, well-designed temporary accommodation that gives people experiencing homelessness security and stability, along with wraparound support from our Mission Australia staff.

“[The] aim is to help them move into long-term, sustainable housing and achieve their goals.”

Mission Australia has already held two public meetings to inform residents living nearby of their plans and to allay any fears.

The accommodation, which will be provided for up to three months, will be for singles and some couples; not for families, children or anyone aged under 18 years.

The site will have Mission Australia housing and support staff onsite from early morning until 8pm Monday to Friday, with security arrangements in place for after hours and on weekends.

Access to the building will be controlled by key-card entry, and visitor access will be limited to set times.

Residents of the temporary accommodation will be expected to comply with requirements around noise, safety, visitors and respectful behaviour.

If they do not, they may be asked to leave.

The Mission Australia spokesperson said the organisation was committed to “engaging and working alongside our government partners, support services and neighbours to create a thriving community and help people in need to access safe and supportive accommodation”.

“There is a growing need for safe and secure accommodation for people at risk of or experiencing homelessness,” the spokesperson said.

“The high cost of housing and low rental vacancy rates are placing great financial strain on many people across the Coffs Harbour region, particularly renters relying on income support payments.

“Individuals and families are having to choose between paying rent or putting food on the table and buying medication and other essentials.

“When rents become unaffordable for working people, inequality in our region increases and people can be pushed into homelessness or forced to leave their communities.”

Updates on the project are being provided through community engagement sessions and a dedicated page on the Mission Australia website.

By Mike HELY