FAQs
Primary homeless – those who are ‘sleeping rough’, without a roof over their head, often in public places or in improvised dwellings.
Secondary homeless - those in transitional housing such as emergency accommodation (hostels), refuges (youth, women and children), people residing temporarily friends/relatives.
Tertiary homeless - those in living arrangements that do not provide them with security of tenure as provided by a lease, or who are living in accommodation which is unsafe or harmful to their health such as boarding houses, caravan parks and rooming houses.
advocacy work
a trial Heat Relief Response
opportunity for a community organisation to lease a Community Property in Oyster Bay for the purpose of supporting community members at risk of homelessness.
What is homelessness?
There are three broadly accepted categories of homelessness:
How many people are experiencing homelessness in Sutherland Shire?
In 2024, 8 people were recorded sleeping rough. This number increased to 33 in 2025 and 31 in 2026. These figures correspond with the increase in reports to Council between 2024 and 2025, as well as service provider reports of increased demand. The Policy guides how Council will work towards reducing the number of people experiencing homelessness within Sutherland Shire.
What is Council’s role in supporting members of our community at risk of homelessness?
Council’s role is to refer reported cases to outreach services, provide information to the community, and advocate to State and Federal Governments for increased housing options and specialist homelessness services in Sutherland Shire.
Alongside the review of this Policy, Council is taking various actions to support members of our community who are at risk of homelessness. This includes:
What should I do if I’m concerned about the welfare of a person sleeping rough locally?
You can contact Wesley Mission by calling 1300 259 789 or contact us.