Special Report –
The Central Coast’s housing and homelessness emergency has seen rough sleeping increase by more than 100 per cent over the past year, according to new data.
Rough sleeping is the most acute form of homelessness.
Figures from the latest Street Count show nearly 100 people sleeping rough across the region in 2025, up from 48 in 2024.
Homelessness service providers say this is only a glimpse into the broader crisis playing out in local communities – where tents, makeshift shelters and overcrowded living conditions are becoming more common.
“We’ve found families with children living in tents,” said a support worker from local homelessness service provider Uniting.
“We are seeing more people than ever, some who are working, others who’ve never needed help before – all reaching out because they can no longer find or afford a place to live.”
The increase in homelessness has been seen across the region, with temporary living hotspots now identified in Woy Woy, Umina Beach, Gosford, Wyoming, Narara, Wyong, Toukley, The Entrance, Bateau Bay, Gorokan, San Remo, Summerland Point and Budgewoi.
Support workers say the visibility of homelessness is growing in these areas, especially where services are limited and rental stress is high.
“On any given day, we’re working off long waitlists and turning people away,” the Uniting worker said.
“We average 700 to 800 referrals a year, and there simply aren’t enough housing options available.”
The Private Rental Market is Failing Low-Income Earners
A critical factor fuelling the crisis is the lack of affordable rentals.
In the latest rental availability scan, only 2.4 per cent of properties were affordable for people on very low incomes, including those receiving JobSeeker or the Disability Support Pension.
A person on JobSeeker has a rental affordability threshold of around $260 per week, far below what the market is demanding.
“There’s just nothing available and people applying for dozens of properties never get a call back, even with stable income or support letters from services,” the Uniting worker said.
“They’re stuck in a cycle they can’t escape.”
The Central Coast is also facing a decline in social housing; from 4 per cent to just 3 per cent of local stock over the past decade — while high-density housing development has grown by just 2 per cent.
The loss of permanent caravan park sites, manufactured home estates and a shortage of boarding houses is compounding the issue.
Meanwhile, 14,000 low-income renting households are now experiencing housing stress, paying more than 30 per cent of their income on rent, and are at high risk of falling into homelessness.
Nearly three-quarters are on very low incomes.
“People are in what we call ‘after-housing poverty’; they pay the rent, but can’t afford food, medicine, transport, utilities,” said the Uniting support worker.
“One unexpected bill and they’re homeless; it’s that fragile.”
Mental Health and Community Stigma
Frontline workers also say the issue is becoming increasingly complex, with mental health support playing a crucial role in addressing street homelessness.
Community complaints tend to rise in response to rough sleepers experiencing visible mental distress, hoarding, or substance abuse – behaviours often linked to trauma.
However instead of support, many people are met with blame and stigma.
“There’s still a widespread belief that people are homeless because of bad choices,” the support worker said.
“But we see daily that the housing system is failing people, not the other way around.”
Local and State Response
The growing crisis has prompted attention from Central Coast Council and the NSW Minister for Homelessness and Housing Rose Jackson, with both issuing statements acknowledging the scale of the problem.
Jackson has said the Government is deeply committed to supporting individuals and families experiencing homelessness on the Coast.
“We know that behind every statistic is a person, a parent, a young person, who deserves the dignity of a safe place to call home,” she said.
“Through the NSW Government’s $100M Homelessness Innovation Fund, we’re investing in real solutions that provide not just shelter, but stability and hope by creating supported transitional, medium term, and affordable accommodation for those sleeping rough, or facing housing insecurity.
“One example is Allawah House, a former disused aged care facility transformed into 14 secure rooms for older women at risk of homelessness.
“This project, delivered by Pacific Link, offers a safe space for women to stay before they move into longer-term housing.
“We’re also delivering the largest housing build in our state’s history through the Building Homes for NSW program; a once-in-a-generation investment to tackle the housing crisis head-on and give more people a safe and secure place to call home.
“This program is already delivering thousands of new homes across the state including a record 1711 in the past year – the largest increase in public homes built in NSW modern history.
“Right now, 93 new social homes are under construction or currently in planning for the Central Coast.
“These homes will make a real difference for local families and individuals who are struggling to find affordable housing.
“These are just some of the 8400 homes we are delivering across the state and for the Central Coast.
“The State Government has a critical role to play in addressing the housing crisis, but we also acknowledge the current challenges are the result of long-standing market failures.
“That’s why we’re working across government and with the community to drive change that lasts.”
A spokesperson for Central Coast Council said the Council is committed to working with services to find solutions.
In an official statement, Council said homelessness is a complex, nationwide issue that extends beyond the region and requires a coordinated response from all levels of government, service providers, and the community.
“Homelessness is not just an issue on the Central Coast – it affects the entire eastern seaboard and, more broadly, the country,” the statement read.
“It’s a challenge that needs all stakeholders and the community working together.
“We connect rough sleepers with health and housing services, offer transitional accommodation in under-utilised assets and holiday parks, and increase the supply of community housing through our Affordable Housing Land Proposal.”
Council said the programs are made possible through partnerships with the State Government, and work is ongoing to create more pathways to meet the urgent need.
“It is important to note that Council Rangers do not have the authority to forcibly relocate individuals; this responsibility lies with NSW Police,” the statement said.
Deputy Mayor Doug Eaton also weighed in, highlighting the limitations of local government and expressing frustration over inaction on bylaw enforcement.
“It’s not Council’s role to provide public housing — that’s a responsibility of state and federal governments,” he said.
“However, Council can fine people in breach of its bylaws, including those illegally camping in reserves where it is prohibited.
“I attempted to introduce a system where fines would be issued following a warning period, but the majority of councillors did not support this.”
Support is needed NOW
But support services say change is needed urgently.
“The situation has reached a point where people are living and raising kids in tents – this is a crisis,” another support worker from Toukley Neighbourhood Centre said.
“It’s not just about building more homes, it’s about doing it quickly and making sure people on the lowest incomes aren’t left behind.”
Community Voices: Locals Speak Out on Possible Solutions
The rising visibility of homelessness has sparked a surge in public response, with hundreds of community members sharing ideas, frustrations, and lived experiences online following recent coverage; particularly from hotspots like Picnic Point.
Suggestions have ranged from opening local showgrounds or Council-owned caravan parks, to repurposing abandoned office blocks, empty schools, and even storage facilities into temporary housing.
“Can Council open the local showgrounds for our homeless?” was one comment.
“Don’t they have amenities?
“It would help services assist more efficiently.
“Why can’t caravan parks be used, with direct rent payments through income or pensions?
“It’s already being done with hotel rooms.”
Others proposed direct rent payment models for pensioners and low-income residents to access unused sites like caravan parks.
Another major concern raised was around barriers in the rental system, including unfair references, discrimination, and the lack of transparency.
Locals called for urgent reform of rental laws, highlighting that tenants can be penalised simply for asking for repairs or trying to do the right thing.
“People are being blacklisted over repair requests and unfair references they can’t even see,” one comment said.
“Rental laws need serious reform.”
While some responses were divisive, the overwhelming tone from many was one of compassion and urgency and recognising that this is a complex, layered issue affecting the entire community.
“Too many people just want to move it somewhere else so they don’t have to see it, but this is everyone’s problem,” one comment said.
Stories of families in tents, people fleeing domestic violence, and working locals unable to secure housing struck a chord with many.
“I’ve been homeless since April with two kids and I’m pregnant,” one comment said.
“I applied for everything and still can’t get in anywhere.
“Link2Home cut us off after a few weeks.”
Several individuals shared their own experiences of being turned away, overlooked, or failed by the system, despite doing everything they could to stay afloat.
“There are literally no places for people to go,” one said.
“Refuges are full, rehabs are full, (public housing) has a 10-year wait.
“We need more houses and more funding.”
The lack of accessible emergency housing and long waitlists for social housing were raised repeatedly, with some pointing to a system already at breaking point.
From frustration with government inaction to calls for unity and real solutions, the message was clear: people want to be heard and many want to help.
Due to the sensitivity of this issue, many locals and service providers have chosen not to have their names publicly mentioned.
Check out Coast Community News online and in print as part of a Special News Series as we continue to give a voice to the people living with homelessness and the greater community.
Skaie Hull
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