As part of a grass roots effort to prevent homelessness, real estate agents in Lismore attended a special breakfast event this morning during Homelessness Week. 

Hosted and supported by community service organisations Social Futures, Northern Rivers Community Gateway and Northern Rivers Housing - the event explored practical tips that real estate agents, and tenants, can use to help prevent homelessness. 

Embracing this year’s theme of “Homelessness Action Now”, agents walked away equipped with a deeper understanding of the challenges faced, and practical ways to make an impact. 

Social Futures General Manager, Housing Homelessness and Employment, Martelle Geurts said local homelessness services are conscious of the emotional load Northern Rivers locals are carrying, as rising inflation and the cost-of-living crisis add mounting pressure on those not yet recovered from the pandemic and 2022 flood disaster. 

"This year has been a particularly tough one for many with rising cost-of-living pressures on the back of flood recovery,” said Ms Geurts. 

“We are grateful for ongoing support from the Diocese of Lismore, whose contributions provide critical relief for everyday people doing it tough.

“The thought of tackling a complex, nationwide issue like homelessness can be daunting to those already feeling exhausted and overwhelmed from everything they have been through. 

“But by focusing on small, preventative actions, individuals really can make a big difference.” 

In the 12 months to June this year, Social Futures’ combined Specialist Homelessness Services programs supported a total of 2,143 people. People experiencing homelessness represented just over 56% of this figure, with the remaining 888 people receiving support while at risk of homelessness. 

The Social Futures Connecting Home team will also visit real estate agent offices throughout Lismore, Casino and Kyogle, delivering resources that outline the types of help available for both agents and tenants. Information is available by calling Social Futures on 1800 719 625. 

Agents will receive contact details and information about support services that they can refer their tenants to to help them sustain their tenancies. 

The team also have resources for tenants with tips for maintaining tenancy, information about the range of financial support available, and where to go for help. 

Ms Geurts says the most important message is to seek help early when life hits the skids – don’t wait for problems to compound.  

“We are urging agents to encourage tenants who may be struggling financially, emotionally or physically to seek support early. The sooner someone reaches out to us, the sooner plans can be developed to help get them back on track,” said Ms Geurts. 

“By connecting people to the right support at the right time, we can help stabilise their life. It reduces the risk of them becoming homeless, and can have positive, life-changing consequences immediately and well into the future." 

Reducing homelessness and building stronger communities are goals shared between government, private, and community services sectors. Increased investment and commitment at all levels of government is needed to ensure people are securely housed.  

Data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows that during 2022-23, 273,600 people across Australia were helped by homelessness services but a further 108,000 people were unable to be assisted due to shortages of staff, accommodation, or otherservices. 

It also indicates that on any given day across NSW in 2023, 334 homelessness services agencies were supporting more than 19,000 clients. Approximately 3,800 of these clients were young people presenting alone. 

Connecting Home is a government funded and voluntary service delivered by Social Futures and provided to young people (16-25), adults (of any age), and families. The program provides support across the entire Northern Rivers regions (with offices in Grafton, Lismore and Tweed Heads). For assistance call 1800 719 625, 9am - 4:30pm, Monday-Friday. 

Those experiencing domestic and family violence can call specialist homelessness service, Momentum Collective on 24/7 Help Line 1800 387 867 for after-hours crisis support or accommodation. Momentum Collective also provide specialist support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples at risk of or experiencing homelessness. 

The NSW Government operates a crisis service for those needing urgent temporary accommodation, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, phone Link2Home on 1800 152 152.