Sunshine Coast residents are being encouraged to learn more about homelessness.
It’s national Homelessness Week, which runs from today until August 11.
The theme this year is Action Now, and The Sunshine Coast Council said responding to homelessness is ‘Everybody’s Business’ and requires all levels of government and community to work together.
Strong Community Portfolio Councillor, David Law, encouraged residents to take action.
“As in many other parts of Australia, homelessness has increased on the Sunshine Coast by 54 per cent since the 2016 census,” Cr Law said.
“Last year Council adopted its Housing and Homelessness Action Plan which outlines a number of initiatives Council undertakes to help people experiencing homelessness.
“One initiative included supporting the formation of a group called Street Up, a partnership between Caloundra and Nambour Community Centres and Council, and people with living and lived experience of homelessness.
“Street Up has been formed to help support service improvements and raise awareness of issues facing people living without a home through presentations, training, peer support, research, policy reviews and consultations.
“The inclusion of lived expertise is crucial for improving systems, policies and practice in the homelessness sector,” Cr Law said.
Cr Law said a year on from the adoption of the Housing and Homelessness Action Plan, it is positive to see these outcomes already achieved.
“We still have a way to go, however we are on a strong path forward,” he said.
