|
|
Homelessness
Taskforce Shoalhaven – Thursday 14 October 2021
Page
0
|
HT21.1 Report
- Homelessness Taskforce Introduction and Update on Actions
HPERM Ref: D21/411911
Department: Community
Connections
Approver: Jane
Lewis, Director - City Lifestyles
Attachments: 1. Homelessness
Taskforce Shoalhaven - Terms of Reference ⇩
2. Submission
to Legislative Inquiry Housing Options - Shoalhaven City Council 13 Aug 21 ⇩
3. Shoalhaven
City Council Submission - Regional Housing Taskforce ⇩
4. Submission to Federal Inquiry
- Housing Affordability - Shoalhaven City Council ⇩
Reason for Report
To provide the Homelessness
Taskforce with an introduction to the purpose and role of the Homelessness
Taskforce following its re-establishment, along with a current situational
analysis and update on Council actions.
|
Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)
That
the Homelessness Taskforce:
1. Receive this report which provides:
a. an introduction to the Taskforce.
b. the current situational analysis.
c. an update on Council actions.
2. Endorse the recommendation for the
Homelessness Taskforce to join Council staff in planning the Shoalhaven
Homelessness Workshop and nominate a Planning Group to support in the
development of the above Shoalhaven Homelessness Workshop:
a. Add name(s) of nominee(s) to be
determined at the meeting
|
Options
1. Homelessness
Taskforce members note report for information.
Implications:
Homelessness Taskforce members made aware of current Homelessness situation in
the Shoalhaven and response initiatives by Council.
2. Homelessness
Taskforce members adopt recommendations as provided above.
Implications:
Homelessness Taskforce members endorse the Shoalhaven Homelessness Workshop and
are involved in the planning and implementation of activities.
3. Homelessness
Taskforce members adopt an alternative recommendation
Implications:
Homelessness Taskforce members put forward alternative recommendation for
involvement in Shoalhaven Homelessness Workshop.
Background
History:
The Shoalhaven Homelessness Taskforce is a Section 355 &
377 Committee of Council (Local Government Act 1993). It was a strategic
advisory committee to advocate for and inform Council’s decision-making
process related to homelessness in the Shoalhaven. The Taskforce worked with
Council to address issues, develop options, and assist with the identification
of preferred solutions as part of Council’s decision-making processes.
The Homelessness Taskforce was
disbanded by Council at its meeting on 25 August 2020 (MIN20.590):
1. Discontinue the
operation of the Homelessness Taskforce Shoalhaven; and
2. Thank the members of
The Homelessness Taskforce for their commitment and hard work since its
establishment; and
3. Rescind The
Homelessness Taskforce Terms of Reference (POL 17/77); and
4. Utilise the existing
Shoalhaven Homelessness and Good Living Conditions Interagency to
continue to provide and receive formal updates on Homelessness and as a
mechanism for Council to seek strategic advice on homelessness.
At the Ordinary meeting of 25
May 2021, Council resolved in part (MIN21.302
Part (7)) to re-establish the Homelessness Taskforce Shoalhaven.
Shoalhaven Homelessness
Taskforce:
A report was presented to
Strategy and Assets Committee of Council meeting held 14 September 2021 to
re-establish the Homelessness Taskforce. MIN21.638 was adopted:
That:
“1. Council endorse the
Terms of Reference of the Homelessness Taskforce Shoalhaven.
2. That the Mayor
chairs the Homelessness Taskforce for the remainder of this term of Council
3. Council nominate the
following Councillor(s) to be the alternate chair for the Taskforce for the
remainder of the current Council term:
· Clr
Digiglio
4. Subject to adoption
of the re-establishment of the Homelessness Taskforce Shoalhaven the first meeting
be scheduled as a priority as soon as possible”.
In re-establishing the
Taskforce, the Terms of Reference have been reviewed and updated (POL21/45,
refer to attachment 1.). These have been provided to highlight the scope of the
re-established Homelessness Taskforce.
1. Purpose:
To provide appropriate and considered strategic advice
on homelessness and related issues that can be dealt with at Council level. The
Taskforce will work with Council to address issues, develop options, and assist
with the identification of preferred solutions as part of Council’s
decision-making process.
3.2 Role
of the Taskforce:
The role of the Homelessness
Taskforce is to:
· Provide
Council with strategic advice on homelessness and related issues that can be
dealt with at a Local Government level.
· Work
with Council to address issues, develop options and assist with the
identification of preferred solutions as part of Council’s
decision-making process
· Advise
on the development and application of a Homelessness Strategic Plan
· Provide
comment on relevant Council policies and strategies
· Advocate
community views on homelessness issues
Situational Analysis:
Council resolved to re-establish
the Homelessness Taskforce in response to the identification that the
Shoalhaven is currently experiencing a crisis situation with respect to housing
availability and affordability in our community.
The 2016 Census data revealed
there were 279 people recorded as homeless on the 2016 Census night. This
represents a 24.5% increase in the number of people reported as experiencing
homelessness since the previous census period (224 people). It is understood
that these numbers are likely to have increased again in 2020-21 in response to
local, regional, and international events including recent natural disasters
and the COVID-19 Pandemic.
In recent months Council’s
Showgrounds have also seen an increase in the number of people experiencing
homelessness seeking shelter, basic amenity, and safety within its grounds.
There have also been several reports coming through from community groups
seeing an increase in members being given notices to vacate long term rental
properties, and then not being able to find alternative accommodations or
secure a new tenancy.
The Australian Bureau of
Statistics statistical definition for homelessness is:
When a person does not have
suitable accommodation alternatives, they are considered homeless if their
current living arrangement:
· Is
in a dwelling that is inadequate; or
· Has
no tenure, or if their initial tenure is short and not extendable; or
· Does
not allow them to have control of, and access to space for social relations.
Key Data:
In analysing the 2016 Census
Data, the following areas of concern were identified:
· Higher
proportion of Aboriginal people make up those experiencing homelessness -
15.84% (Aboriginal people make up only 5.5% of the total population) in the
Shoalhaven.
· A
higher proportion of young people make up people who are experiencing homelessness
- 41.23% (0-29 years) (Young people make up only 30.94% of the total
population) in the Shoalhaven.
· Older
people were more likely to be ‘sleeping rough’ in the Shoalhaven of
those experiencing homelessness.
· Most
people experiencing homelessness in the Shoalhaven have completed year 10 and above
and yet are not currently in the labour force.
· Across
Australia 1 in 3 clients, accessing homelessness support, who experienced
family and domestic violence were under the age of 18.
· In
Australia, the rate of clients, accessing homelessness support, with a current
mental health issue has increased.
Current response strategies
Council resolved the following at the Ordinary Meeting of 25
May 2021 (MIN21.302):
That Council:
1. Declares we are
currently experiencing a crisis situation with respect to housing availability,
social housing availability and general housing affordability in our community.
Update:
The above declaration was
resolved unanimously on 25 May 2021. As a result Council continues to advocate
for increased government funding and policy reforms to assist in creating new
housing supply that is affordable (and well-located close to services) and
supportive infrastructure.
In addition, Council continues
to request increased government investment in renewal and construction of
social housing, to provide homes for low-income earners and vulnerable people
and reduce risk of homelessness.
2. Urgently
submits to the National General Assembly and LGNSW Conferences motions calling
on increased assistance from National and State Government for additional
funding into social and affordable housing, and to look at different models
such as equity share and covenant housing.
Update:
The Australian Local Government
Association (ALGA) National General Assembly was held in Canberra in June 2021.
Council submitted seven motions to the Assembly; however, it was not possible
to submit a motion regarding social and affordable housing (and different
housing models) as acceptance of motions closed on 26 March 2021 (the above
resolution was made 25 May 2021).
The Local Government NSW (LGNSW)
Conference will be split into two sessions, due to delayed Council elections
and Covid-19 restrictions. A short conference will be held online on 29
November 2021 with a Special Conference to debate motions to be held Monday 28
February to Wednesday 2 March 2022.
Draft motions relating to the
above resolution have been prepared and will be presented to Councillors for
consideration and ratification in due course.
3. Report back on how
Holiday Haven could contribute to providing some housing relief in the parks
and how that could be achieved given the Crown Land Status of the Parks.
Update:
Upon closer examination, there
is very limited scope for Holiday Haven Caravan Parks to provide housing
relief. These parks are operated as sub-contract businesses. Due to the
operational model of these businesses, the parks normally have vacancies only
on off-season mid-week days. If the parks were used to provide housing relief
even within these vacancies, the business costs that would need to be covered
would include cleaning, laundry, consumables, maintenance and management
expenses. Having nil vacancies may also delay scheduled park maintenance and
upgrades.
Further, the requirements of the
various Acts and regulations present significant contractual and legislative
challenges if Holiday Haven guests have no other residence or stay for extended
periods. The resulting short-term availability of accommodation, in combination
with the relatively isolated park locations, mean that housing relief provided
would be ineffective in meeting the needs of people experiencing homelessness.
In an endeavour to explore
opportunities to provide housing relief a meeting was facilitated on 23
September 2021 involving the Mayor, SALT Ministries and the Manager Commercial
Services, Phillip Perram and Holiday Haven Manager, Rachel Dyer. SALT
Ministries are currently renting 22 houses in Shoalhaven as part of their
endeavours to help meet emergency accommodation requirements. The potential
exists for additional accommodation to be provided through a collaboration
between SALT Ministries, TAFE and/or construction/maintenance donors and the
community through Council’s potential donation (under Section 356 of the
Local Government Act 1993) of two cabins and remaining furniture and fittings
per year (estimated value of ~$10K in 2021 dollars).
Holiday Haven retires in excess
of four cabins per year. Two of these cabins are normally sold averaging
between $4k and $6K each and the remaining two cabins are demolished on site.
The proposal is that Council donate two cabins annually, predicated on:
· An
agreement that SALT Ministries will use these cabins for emergency
accommodation.
· A
SALT Ministries collaboration with TAFE and/or other construction and
maintenance partners that will ensure the removal and re-establishment of the
cabins in a fit for purpose state.
· Cabins
to be located on sites/locations with development approval.
· A
review of the donation scheme be undertaken 5 years into the program.
4. Contact private
caravan and holiday parks in order to understand what semi-permanent housing
solutions are being offered locally.
Update:
This action will be raised at
the next Homelessness Taskforce meeting and members consulted on how this
should be approached. Members will also be asked to share any details of
partnerships or opportunities that they are aware of with caravan and holiday
parks as well as hotels and guesthouses.
5. Continue to lobby
for the “Meanwhile Use” of State Government owned land and assets
for housing.
Update:
Meanwhile use involves using
surplus or underutilised government-owned land for temporary purposes, such as
providing temporary housing. Meanwhile use projects have been undertaken in
other jurisdictions, for example the Launch Transportable Housing Project on
VicRoads land in Melbourne’s suburbs.
A Ministerial Briefing Paper
titled, ‘NSW Government Land Linked Meanwhile Use’ and Urban
Renewal Opportunities Shoalhaven Local Government Area’ was provided to
the Hon Melinda Pavey MP, NSW Minister for Water, Property & Housing and
the Hon Gareth Ward, Member for Kiama in correspondence dated 3 June 2021. The
Paper was also forwarded to the Hon Shelley Hancock MP Minister for Local
Government NSW.
In August 2021, the
‘Meanwhile Use’ briefing paper was also attached to Council’s
submission to the NSW Legislative Assembly Inquiry on ‘Options to improve
access to existing and alternate accommodation to address the social housing
shortage’. This submission is provided as Attachment 2.
Meanwhile uses and other housing
suitability, affordability and infrastructure investment recommendations were
also included in Council’s submission to the NSW DPIE Regional Housing Taskforce.
This submission is included as Attachment 3.
Council will continue to work
with all levels of government and relevant partners (e.g. Community Housing
Providers such as Southern Cross Housing) to investigate and progress meanwhile
use developments and related policy reforms.
6. Organise a workshop
with council staff, Councillors, businesses, and community members to commence
a dialogue.
Update:
Covid-19
pandemic uncertainty and changing restrictions from June 2021 influenced a
delay in progressing this action. This action will be progressed as part of the
Homelessness Taskforce, with a view to holding this workshop (ideally
in-person) in early 2022.
7. Re-establish the
Homelessness Taskforce Shoalhaven.
Update:
The Homelessness
Taskforce Shoalhaven has been re-established with the first meeting scheduled
for 14 October 2021.
8. Advocate for a
National Housing Plan and offer our support as Local Government to work with
other tiers of Government.
Update:
Council continues to advocate for a National Housing Plan to
provide direction to all levels of government, as well as the community and
industry, on issues regarding housing supply, availability and affordability
and coordinates actions of stakeholders towards the common goal of providing
safe, secure, appropriate, and affordable housing for all Australians. Most
recently, advocacy for a National Housing Plan was included in Council’s
submission to the Federal Government Inquiry into housing affordability and supply
in Australia, in accordance with this and previous resolutions and adopted
policies. Council’s submission is provided as Attachment 4.
Homelessness Taskforce Engagement
Based on the above Council
actions update, Council staff recommend that the Homelessness Taskforce work
together with Council staff to respond to Part (6) – “Organise a
workshop with council staff, Councillors, businesses and community members to
commence a dialogue” to discuss the current landscape of homelessness
in the Shoalhaven and identify community assets, resources and strategies to
respond to this crisis.
A working group from the
Homelessness Taskforce could be formed to represent the Homelessness Taskforce and
to work with Council Staff in the design, planning, implementation, and
evaluation phases of delivering the Shoalhaven Homelessness Workshop.
Financial Implications
Council staff to work with the
Taskforce to scope and cost the workshop. A further report requesting funding
if required, will be presented to Councils Executive Management Team.
|
|
Homelessness
Taskforce Shoalhaven – Thursday 14 October 2021
Page
0
|
HT21.2 Report
- Homelessness Taskforce Membership Expression of Interest
HPERM Ref: D21/411947
Department: Community
Connections
Approver: Jane
Lewis, Director - City Lifestyles
Reason for Report
To provide the Homelessness Taskforce with a proposal to
conduct a Membership Expression of Interest process for endorsement.
|
Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)
That the Homelessness Taskforce:
1. Endorse the Expression of Interest
to be conducted to fill the 6 vacant community membership positions
a. Expressions of Interest (EOI) will
be sought from a maximum of 3 community members with lived experience of
homelessness with representation from North, Central and South of the
Shoalhaven LGA.
b. Expressions of Interest will be
sought from a maximum of 3 community members with an interest in addressing
homelessness in the Shoalhaven with representation from North, Central and
South of the Shoalhaven LGA.
2. Nominate a member of the Committee
to be the independent assessor for the next round of Expressions of Interest
to the Taskforce.
|
Options
1. Adopt the
recommendations as written.
Implications: The
Homelessness Taskforce accept the recommendation and seek to fill the 6
available community member positions prior to the next meeting of the
Homelessness Taskforce.
2. Advise
alternative recommendations.
Implications: Members of
the Homelessness Taskforce will provide an alternative recommendation.
Background
At Council’s Ordinary
meeting of 25 May 2021, Council resolved in part (MIN21.302) Part (7) to:
“Re-establish
the Homelessness Taskforce Shoalhaven”.
In re-establishing the Taskforce
the attached updated Terms of Reference (POL21/45) have been included elsewhere
in this Agenda to highlight the scope of the re-established Homelessness Taskforce. These were adopted by Council
at the Strategy and Assets Meeting held on 14 September 2021 Minute 21.638
that:
“1. Council endorse the Terms
of Reference of the Homelessness Taskforce Shoalhaven.
2. That the Mayor chairs the
Homelessness Taskforce for the remainder of this term of Council
3. Council
nominate the following Councillor(s) to be the alternate chair for the
Taskforce for the remainder of the current Council term:
• Clr Digiglio
4. Subject
to adoption of the re-establishment of the Homelessness Taskforce Shoalhaven
the first meeting be scheduled as a priority as soon as possible.”
Homelessness Taskforce Terms of Reference - Purpose:
“To provide appropriate and considered strategic
advice on homelessness and related issues that can be dealt with at Council
level. The Taskforce will work with Council to address issues, develop options
and assist with the identification of preferred solutions as part of
Council’s decision making process”.
In understanding this, the
addition of six community member positions was proposed to Council to be
included in the Terms of Reference update to ensure a community perspective was
included in discussion and to offer representation opportunities to those with
lived experience of homelessness or to those with a personal interest in
homelessness in their community.
Homelessness is a whole of
community issue and for sustainable solutions to be sought then the whole of the
community needs to have a voice in the discussion. It is for this reason
that the new community member positions have been added.
The description of these
positions can be found under section 3.3 Membership of the Homelessness
Taskforce Terms of Reference (TOR):
3.3.1 Appointments
· A
maximum of 3 community members with lived experience
· A
maximum of 3 community members with an interest in homelessness in the
Shoalhaven with representation from the North, Central and South of Shoalhaven
LGA.
In line with the 3.3.3
Nomination Process of the TOR, the process for nomination to the taskforce will
be as follows: -
· An
Expression of Interest will be advertised for membership of the taskforce. The
Expression of Interest will be advertised locally via media and Council
communication networks.
· Council
will manage the application process.
· Appointment
to the Homelessness Taskforce Shoalhaven can be for a maximum one (1) year with
a set commencement and finish date and standing members may renominate for an
additional term.
· Any
individual, representatives of an organisation, service or agency, who agree to
work within the purpose of the taskforce may nominate to become a member.
· Organisations,
services, agencies or residents groups may only nominate one representative.
· The
taskforce aims to include the voices of all stakeholders, and welcomes the
participation of those who have a lived experience of homelessness.
· An
interview panel will consist of a Council staff member, the Chair of the
Homelessness Taskforce Shoalhaven and one (1) independent person, who will
assess the applications and make recommendations for appointments to the
taskforce and then Council.
Council staff propose that the
Homelessness Taskforce nominate a representative to join the assessment panel
as the ‘independent person’ to assess the Expression of
Interest’s for the six community member positions.
Community Engagement
A membership Expression of
Interest to be conducted following the first Homelessness Taskforce Meeting on
14 October 2021.
This will be advertised with a
Get Involved page and sponsored social media posts. The Expression of Interest
will also be distributed via Council network mailing lists and the Homelessness
Taskforce members will be encouraged to share the information with clients and
communities.
The Expression of Interest is
proposed for 4 weeks during November and recommendations will be presented to
the taskforce in the first meeting of 2022.
|
|
Homelessness
Taskforce Shoalhaven – Thursday 14 October 2021
Page
0
|
HT21.4 Report
- Homelessness Taskforce Thrive Together Fair
HPERM Ref: D21/411981
Department: Community
Connections
Approver: Jane
Lewis, Director - City Lifestyles
Reason for Report
To provide the Homelessness
Taskforce with a report on the Thrive Together Fair, including an overview and
evaluation of the Thrive Together Fair 2021 and a proposal for the Taskforce to
partner in future event implementation.
|
Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)
That the Homelessness Taskforce:
1. Receive this report providing an
overview and evaluation of the Thrive Together Fair
2. Endorse the recommendation for the
Homelessness Taskforce to join Council Staff in planning the Thrive Together
Fair in 2022
a. Nominate a Planning Group to support
in the planning of the above Thrive Together Fair 2022
|
Options
1. Adopt the
recommendations as written.
Implications: The
Homelessness Taskforce receive the report and nominate members to a planning
group to assist in planning future Thrive Together events.
2. Advise
alternative recommendations.
Implications: Members of
the Homelessness Taskforce will provide an alternative recommendation.
Background
History:
The Shoalhaven Homelessness
Taskforce was a Section 355 & 377 Committee of Council (Local Government
Act 1993). It was a strategic advisory committee to advocate for and inform
Council’s decision-making process related to homelessness in the
Shoalhaven. The Taskforce worked with Council to address issues, develop
options, and assist with the identification of preferred solutions as part of
Council’s decision-making process.
The Homelessness Taskforce had
previously been disbanded by Council at its meeting on 25 August 2020. On
disbandment the Homelessness Taskforce recommended that Council establish an
annual Shoalhaven Homelessness Forum to discuss homelessness in the Shoalhaven.
Council continues to seek strategic advice on homelessness through the
Shoalhaven Homelessness and Good Living Conditions Interagency (SHGLCI).
The SHGLCI was consulted and based on feedback it was agreed
the best format for this event would be a practical day where people who were
experiencing or at risk of homelessness could access all the services that they
may need in one place on one day.
Thrive Together Fair 2021:
Shoalhaven City Council
partnered with Grand Pacific Health to host the inaugural Thrive Together Fair
to mark Homelessness Week 2021. The fair provided an opportunity for community
members who have been “doing it tough” to connect with local service
providers and with each other.
The event took place on
Wednesday 4th August from 10am to 3pm at the Shoalhaven Indoor Sports Centre in
Bomaderry. Over 200 Shoalhaven residents attended the Fair, which offered a
unique opportunity for these community members to connect with 40 local
community service providers, businesses, government and non-government
organisations who would be able to offer support in some capacity when an
individual needs it.
This event provided an important
opportunity in showcasing what support is available, with many community
members having the opportunity to utilise the sports centres showers, get a
free haircut, have a free hot meal, collect free sleeping bags, clothes, and
toiletries, and sit down to register with local housing and financial services.
Local bands and artists provided entertainment. The Illawarra Shoalhaven Local
Health District were also able to provide health and wellbeing checks and
referrals, and a COVID Vaccination Hub for our most vulnerable community members.
Give Dignity Donation Drive 2021:
A special aspect of the event was
providing free dignity packs to community members. The packs were collated
following the Council’s Give Dignity Donation Drive through our
facilities and online through the GIVIT Page. An incredible amount of donations
was received from around the Shoalhaven and nationally, and this allowed us to
provide approximately 300 dignity packs to community members and specialist
homelessness services.
Project Evaluation
Through evaluating the feedback from stallholders and
participants at the event and reviewing the lesson’s learned by Council
staff and partners the overwhelming reaction was that the Thrive Together Fair
2021 was an invaluable experience for participants and stallholders, providing
opportunities to attain support needed and build connections. The main
recommendation voiced was the call for the event to be reoccurring, an annual
event to mark Homelessness Week each year.
Here is what some of the Service
Providers had to say:
1. “I just
wanted to congratulate you for the outstanding outcome that you all had at the
Thrive Together Event yesterday. What a successful day with a great turn out of
services with lots of our homeless clients and the community attending. Today
many have come into the hub saying how fantastic it was!! And not to mention
the many clients that were vaccinated with the Pfizer as well. I know you all
did massive loads of preparation and organisation to make this happen and it
was amazing. So well done.” - Shoalhaven Homelessness Hub.
2. “Thank you
for inviting Waminda to the Thrive Together Fair! It was an amazing day and a
great turn out of community members. What a great initiative for the community
to come together to help our most vulnerable people in Community. Waminda would
love to attend the Fair if there are any more planned in the future. Thanks
again.” – Waminda.
The feedback from event
participants and stallholders showed clear satisfaction with all elements of
the event including overall, location, time, day and date, event length,
stallholders, entertainment, food, and giveaways. Over 94% of respondents said
they would look to participate in the event if it went ahead again and all
respondents responded that they were likely or very likely to encourage other
services/organisations/ businesses to participate in our events in future.
In terms of long-term outcomes
of the event, of those services who were able to register new clients at the
event, 70% had made follow up appointments with the client in the 2 weeks
following the event. This included to provide services such as: referral for
crisis accommodation, assisting with legal matters, providing Veterinary
support, case management and completion of Census forms.
This feedback also indicted that
those who attended thought it was a great inaugural event and wanted to see it
grow in future, seeking opportunities for broader promotion and an increase in
the services who attend. This aligns with the lessons learned by event
organisers and Council staff who noted the need for an extensive communication
strategy to provide greater lead time for event promotion to the wider
community and to work with services to engage clients.
The lessons learned by event
organisers and Council staff also highlighted the need for increased budget to
match expected growth in the event and to cover increased staffing for the
event, costs associated with a greater promotion strategy, higher equipment,
and catering costs.
Homelessness Taskforce Engagement
The planning, implementation and
evaluation of future Thrive Together Fair’s will be delivered by the
Homelessness Taskforce with the support of Council staff, primarily the
Homelessness Project Officer – Community Capacity Building. This will
ensure a whole of community approach to program management allowing the event
to better reflect the needs of the community. This will provide opportunities
for the organisations within the Homelessness Taskforce to ensure clients of
their services and their communities were aware of, and invited to, the event.
This would also support in building the capacity of the organisation in
providing support to those in the community doing it tough and provide greater
sustainability for the Thrive Together Fair delivery.
Financial Implications
The Thrive Together event in 2021 was delivered using the
Community Projects Budget. Council where also successful in obtaining a $1,000
donation from the Veolia Mulwaree Trust. Future events will need to be scoped
and costed and at such a time, applications for funding will be made.
