Editorial
Addressing homelessness on the Central Coast requires a community effort.
The sad news of a homeless man found dead, stuck in a charity bin at Tuggerah, has shocked the region.
The growing homelessness crisis on the Central Coast demands urgent attention and two locally-based organisations are leading the way.
Recent statistics highlight a distressing trend, with an estimated 10 per cent increase in homelessness across NSW since the pandemic began, significantly impacting the Central Coast.
As the community grapples with this escalating issue, two organisations – Coast Shelter and Pacific Link Housing – stand out for their dedicated efforts to provide solutions and support to those in need.
Coast Shelter, with its mission to end homelessness and domestic violence on the Central Coast, offers a beacon of hope through its innovative solutions tailored to the local community’s needs.
Its approach emphasises trust, respect, innovation and connection, underscoring the importance of a comprehensive and empathetic response to this complex situation.
Just across town, Pacific Link Housing, a Tier One registered community housing provider, has made significant strides in managing and supplying affordable housing in the region.
With a portfolio of nearly 1,200 properties, Pacific Link has been instrumental in transitioning from purely managing housing to also focusing on supply.
Their efforts have been recognised through multiple awards, highlighting their commitment to providing high-quality, affordable housing solutions.
Of course the challenges faced by these organisations and the broader Central Coast community are multifaceted, stemming from a range of socio-economic factors exacerbated by recent natural disasters and the ongoing economic after effects of the pandemic.
The solutions, therefore, require a collaborative and multi-pronged approach.
Regular readers of CCN know that Pacific Link Housing’s development projects and Coast Shelter’s holistic support services offer a model for addressing homelessness that combines immediate relief with long-term sustainability.
The NSW government and local authorities must deepen their support for their initiatives, ensuring that successful community-led organisations like Coast Shelter and Pacific Link Housing have the resources they need to expand their services.
This includes increasing the supply of affordable housing, reforming tenancy laws for greater protection and ensuring that support services are accessible to those in need.
As we move forward, it’s clear that solving homelessness on the Central Coast requires a community effort not a bureaucratic one.
By supporting organisations like Coast Shelter and Pacific Link Housing and advocating for systemic changes, we can work towards a future where everyone has a place to call home.
David Abrahams – Managing Editor