Protecting the most vulnerable during the COVID-19 crisis
The rapidly developing COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) crisis is having a significant and increasing impact on vulnerable communities. Early on, NCOSS worked with Homelessness NSW to urgently highlight the need for increased resources to support rough sleepers, those experiencing housing stress, and social housing tenants, given their heightened vulnerability at this time. We sent a joint letter to the Premier, Treasurer and Minister Ward calling on the Government to provide for rapid rehousing, multi-disciplinary outreach and a moratorium on evictions for people in private rentals.
Continued advocacy led by Homelessness NSW has seen an additional $34 million announced by the State Government on 27 March to expand temporary accommodation and rental products, as well as increased flexibility for services to respond appropriately. This has been a major achievement. NCOSS has also advocated to the NSW Treasurer to push his federal colleagues to see investment in social and affordable housing as essential infrastructure that will serve as an economic stimulus and create jobs. We are calling for a financial package of support for the sector and other initiatives which will grow jobs and support vulnerable people.
In addition to our ongoing policy and advocacy efforts around COVID-19, we continue to update our sector resource with relevant information around service continuity, financial and other supports for services and clients.