Sydney Homeless Strategy 2007 - 2012

The City of Sydney’s vision and principles for addressing homelessness are articulated in the Homelessness Strategy.

Philosophy

The City recognises the right of everyone in the community to use public spaces.  It also recognises the right of all people to have access to safe, secure and affordable housing.  The City acknowledges that some people may need assistance to achieve appropriate accommodation and in some instances may also require ongoing support to maintain this.

Principles

Right to shelter

The City recognises that affordable, secure, appropriate and accessible housing is a basic requirement for all people and an essential ingredient of a socially, economically and environmentally sustainable community. The City is committed to formulating policies and strategies to address homelessness, housing need and the provision of diverse housing options.

Vulnerable and disadvantaged groups

The City recognises that people who are homeless are some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people in our community.  The City further acknowledges that the population who are homeless have higher rates of mental and physical illnesses, substance dependence, gambling addictions, intellectual disability, and are more likely to be victims of violence.  Council has a statutory and moral obligation to address and advocate for the needs of vulnerable and disadvantaged people within the City community.

Commitment to direct service provision

The City is committed to its role as a direct service provider to people who are homeless within the community.  In cooperation with other government and non-government service providers, the City recognises its role in assisting people to exit homelessness.

Use of public spaces

The City recognises the NSW State Government Protocol for Homeless People in Public Places.  The City acknowledges the rights of all members of the community to use public spaces, whilst also recognising their responsibility towards other members of the community who have the right to live in a safe and peaceful environment.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People

The City recognises the special relationship that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have with open space and that there may be specific cultural needs in accessing a range of appropriate accommodation and support options.

Research and policy                                                                  

The City acknowledges its unique role as the provider of a state-wide information and referral service for people who are homeless, and that it has access to information about the needs and characteristics of people seeking assistance. 
Whilst maintaining the confidentiality of individuals, data is used to inform the City’s policy development and direct service provision.  The City also has access to other sources of information and seeks to apply evidence-based solutions to its policy, advocacy and direct service provision.

Advocacy

The City acknowledges its responsibility to advocate on behalf of all members of its community.  Specifically, it recognises the need to advocate to other levels of government to reduce the incidence of homelessness within the community through the provision of appropriate State Government provided or funded services. 

Right to participate

The City recognises and encourages all members of the community to participate in cultural and community activities and events. The City also realises that some vulnerable and socially excluded people within its population may need special assistance to enable them to participate and experience greater social inclusion.

Key roles of other levels of Government

The City recognises the key roles of other levels of Government in addressing the needs of people who are homeless through:

1. social housing
2. emergency, short and medium term accommodation
3. income support
4. employment and training assistance
5. health and mental health services
6. services for people with a substance or gambling dependency
7. services for people with a disability
8. children’s, youth and other community services

Partnerships and service co-ordination

The City understands that the provision of services and empowerment of the homeless and socially disadvantaged is best provided when workers and agencies act co-operatively. Through stronger partnerships and co-ordination of services and activities the City aims to ensure seamless services and effective exits from homelessness.

The City specifically encourages those services and activities which aim to empower and develop the potential of all members of the City community and which do not serve, through outmoded models of charitable service provision, to perpetuate disadvantage and social exclusion.