August 5th, 2025Demand for homelessness help doubled

A unique program offering a “one-stop support shop” for those facing homelessness has expanded, as demand for assistance increases by nearly half.
As we mark National Homelessness Week (4-10 August), one of Australia’s largest not-for-profit providers of social housing, Link Wentworth, has revealed a 47 per cent increase in the number of people attending its Community Support Hubs compared with the previous financial year.
Link Wentworth CCO Margaret Maljkovic said the not-for-profit’s Community Support Hubs bring together more than 30 services that someone who may be experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, homelessness might need.
“It’s often hard to know where to turn to for help or even if it’s possible to access assistance when you’re doing it tough,” Ms Maljkovic said.
“Our Community Support Hubs remove that barrier to seeking assistance by having everyone in one location. Help includes support finding a home, seeking financial advice, and medical and mental health assistance.
“Over the previous year, we’ve hosted 37 hubs and achieved just shy of 4,000 outcomes for attendees. Services accessed included government assistance, material aid, mental health, aged care, family, and drug and alcohol.”
To meet growing demand, a monthly Community Support Hub is now held in Ryde, in addition to Penrith, the Blue Mountains, and the Hawkesbury.
Some of the service providers in attendance include Mission Australia, Sydney Water, Service NSW, Hearing Australia, and the Benevolent Society.
“These are all well respected organisations with teams of experts. It means people can be confident the advice they’re getting is correct and that action can be taken to help them navigate a tough time,” Ms Maljkovic said.
“Our hubs are also about showing vulnerable people that they’re not alone. Snacks and refreshments are provided, and often gifts are given too, the most popular of which has been blankets and pet food.”
Link Wentworth provides 10,000 Sydney residents a safe, secure, and affordable place to live.
To help women and young people experiencing homelessness, Link Wentworth is aiming to raise $300,000 through its Home Sweet charity sleep out event. Around 100 ‘sleepees’ will spend the night at Sydney International Regatta Centre on 5 September to raise funds for Link Wentworth’s scholarship program, and fellow not-for-profit organisations Platform Youth Services and Women’s Community Shelters.