Women and children escaping domestic and family violence, disaster victim-survivors, rough sleepers and couch surfers are just some of the vulnerable people across the state who will now be able to access temporary accommodation for a longer period with the NSW Government expanding support for those seeking assistance.
Temporary accommodation is emergency housing support that is provided to people experiencing homelessness.
The reforms mean that people in need can now access an initial period of 7 days temporary accommodation, instead of just 2 days under the previous government.
This change marks a significant shift in how we support people in vulnerable situations across NSW.
The Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) have revised eligibility requirements for people requesting temporary accommodation raising the asset cap to $5000 instead of $1000 and removing this requirement altogether for those fleeing domestic or family violence.
Under the changes, people who contact Link2home can initially access 7 days of temporary accommodation.
Clients will continue to receive temporary accommodation while seeking longer-term accommodation options, providing they keep engaging with support and accommodation services and take up options for accommodation.
This announcement builds on the NSW Government's commitment to addressing homelessness. We have committed to:
- 30% social and affordable housing.
- A 2-year extension of Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS) contracts. The end date for these contracts has changed from 30 June 2024 to 30 June 2026. Providing stability and continuity for some of the state's most vulnerable people.
- People in temporary accommodation are no longer required to complete a Rental Diary to demonstrate they are actively looking for housing. Women and children escaping domestic violence and flood victims are just some of the people in temporary accommodation.
- The 12-month freeze on the requirement to complete seeker diaries started on Saturday 1 July 2023 as we thoroughly review and assess this scheme.
- Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) Housing staff are available to assist people in temporary accommodation to access the Specialist Homelessness Services that can help them find stable housing.
