Lake Macquarie Council will investigate storage lockers to trial for people experiencing homelessness as part of a plan adopted for the city.
The draft Ending Homelessness Plan 2021-2024 approved by councillors on Monday night includes actions to enable "focused, coordinated and compassionate efforts" in response to the issue of homelessness.
The plan was developed in consultation with people with lived experience of homelessness, community members who care for the homeless, and community, government and business services who work with and care for people at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
It is a terrible affliction for our community.
Cr Christine Buckley
Actions include quarterly meetings with housing service providers, responding to emerging trends and issues using advocacy and coordination; supporting affordable housing opportunities and contributing to new activities in response to mental health concerns in the community.
Eight submissions were also received during public after the draft plan was sent directly to primary stakeholders.
Suggestions added to the plan from the exhibition period included training for volunteer groups to help homelessness service delivery, working with real estate agents to provide advocacy on private rental market issues, facilitating a mapping exercise illustrating housing pathways, supporting improved homelessness data collection and trialing a personal storage system for people experiencing homelessness to store belongings while they search for housing.
Councillor John Gilbert said while there was only a small number of submissions, it was a matter of "quality over quantity", with much of the feedback taken on board and incorporated into the plan.
Councillor Kevin Baker said homelessness was an "absolute epidemic" and that it was important council collaborated with both service providers and people who have lived experiences of homelessness to develop the plan.
"We are facing a time where people are a lot of time without homes or without a place to stay at no fault of their own," Cr Baker said.
"This document doesn't have all the answers, it never will, but what it does is states council's ambitious target... to do its bit to end homelessness."
Deputy mayor Christine Buckley said the plan was timely given the story in Monday's Herald about 75-year-old Jenny Ransom, who was living in her car for nine months.
"There are a lot more people out there in the same situation," she said.
"It is a terrible affliction for our community.
"We're seeing a lot more older women who are homeless, as well as young families and... a lot of people who can afford to rent something but there's nothing out there."
