The City of Sydney Street Count

On 19 August 2008, between the hours of 12am and 4am the City of Sydney’s Homelessness Unit will coordinate the City’s first ever count of rough sleepers. The Street Count is a major initiative under the City’s Homelessness Strategy 2007-12.

Who will be counted?
The aim of the count is to collect accurate and up-to-date information about the numbers and locations of people sleeping in public spaces across the City of Sydney local government area (LGA). The count does not aim to investigate the total number of people who are homeless in the LGA. The focus of the count will be on the number of rough sleepers in the City of Sydney, and for that reason people living in boarding houses, staying with friends or living in other forms of non-secure housing will not be counted.
During the count no rough sleeper will be woken or approached.

How often do counts take place?
The counts will take place twice a year to cover the warm and cold seasons in the city. At the moment counts are planned for August and February each year.

How will the results be used?
The results will assist the City’s Homelessness Unit to develop appropriate responses to homelessness.
The results will also be used to advocate to state and federal government for the resources necessary to achieve enduring solutions to homelessness. No information regarding the location of rough sleepers will be released in the results of the count.

Involving homeless advisors
The City will actively seek the assistance of people who are currently homeless or who have experienced homelessness as advisors and participants. All advisors will receive a fee to recognise their expertise and their time. The City will also work with our staff, community services and advisors to ensure that people who are homeless in the inner-city are aware of what is taking place and the reasons why.

How do I volunteer?
The City encourages the participation of volunteers from a cross section of the community. Mission Australia will be participating in the August 2008 Street Count, and we encourage our volunteers to get involved!

For more information contact The City of Sydney Homelessness Unit:
Katie Price
Tel: 02 9265 9667
Email: kprice@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

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