Alarming Surge in Homelessness: Byron Shire Leads NSW According to 2024 Street Count
The recent release of data from the NSW Government’s 2024 Street Count has shed light on a concerning reality for homelessness in Byron Bay, now home to the largest number of rough sleepers in NSW. With 2,037 individuals counted sleeping rough in 2023 compared to 1,623 the previous year, there has been a notable increase, with 348 individuals identified in Byron Bay alone.
This uptick, approximately 16% in Byron Bay, sharply contrasts with a more modest 1% rise in the City of Sydney. These figures underscore the escalating crisis in regional areas, placing the Byron Shire at the forefront of homelessness and rough sleeping challenges.
Fletcher Street Cottage, Byron’s primary homeless support hub, stands as a frontline resource in addressing the mounting homelessness crisis. Established in 2022, the hub has become a vital lifeline, offering essential services and support to those in need. Over the past two years, it has served over 21,000 breakfasts, provided 9,200 showers and laundry services, and facilitated access to health and social services for numerous individuals.
Lindy Swain, Manager of Fletcher Street Cottage, emphasises the urgency of the situation: “The 2024 Street Count only provides a snapshot of rough sleepers in Byron Bay and does not capture the many hidden homeless – those sleeping in cars, tents, and couch surfing. We urgently require social housing in our region. Fletcher Street Cottage remains dedicated to extending a helping hand to those impacted by this crisis. The support we offer is more crucial now than ever, and we are in dire need of funding to sustain our efforts.”
Various factors such as rising interest rates, cost of living pressures, a local rental crisis, and inadequate social housing contribute to the surge in homelessness in Byron Bay. While these challenges are not new, their impacts are becoming increasingly severe, especially evident in the growing number of women seeking support at Fletcher Street Cottage, reflecting broader societal pressures.
The Byron Community Centre, supporting local rough sleepers since the early 2000s, highlights the importance of sustained community collaboration and generosity in addressing this crisis. Fletcher Street Cottage collaborates with multiple service providers to offer comprehensive support to those in need.
Louise O’Connell, General Manager of Byron Community Centre, expresses gratitude for the community’s support: “As Fletcher Street Cottage celebrates its two-year anniversary, community support is more crucial than ever in these challenging times. We extend our deepest gratitude to our dedicated staff, volunteers, donors, and partners, whose support is instrumental in addressing this escalating crisis. Our team works tirelessly to secure the necessary funding to sustain Fletcher Street Cottage and continue providing essential services to locals in need.”
For more information about Fletcher Street Cottage and to contribute, visit here. The 2024 street count, conducted between February 1 and March 1, 2024, is published annually. Visit here for further details.
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