Commissioning of homelessness services

Embedding a horizons-based approach in the SHS program 

Homes NSW acknowledges that the Homelessness Strategy sets out a long-term, aspirational vision for systemic change across the homelessness sector, which will take place across three stages: stabilisation, transition and transformation. These stages are interconnected and may overlap or continue beyond the 2026-2031 SHS program contracting period and the ten years of the Strategy. 

Given the evolving nature of this vision, the SHS program and its specifications will adopt a horizons-based approach to reform recognising that not all strategic elements can be fully defined or operationalised at the outset of the contract period. 

A horizons-based approach to reform in the context of homelessness services refers to a forward looking, strategic, and phased method of commissioning and contracting that aligns service delivery with long-term outcomes, sector sustainability, and community needs. 

This approach enables Homes NSW to work collaboratively with service providers and stakeholders to progressively implement changes that align with the Strategy’s objectives. Contractual arrangements will include provisions for negotiated amendments to individual Agreement for Funding of Services Schedules, where such changes are agreed by all parties and are consistent with procurement principles. 

Program Specifications will be revised and updated in year two and year four of the contracting period to complement this program reform. Homes NSW will consult and collaborate with SHS providers and peak bodies as these changes arise. 

Homes NSW commits to: 

• supporting the implementation of new initiatives and processes based on the Strategy through consultation with the sector and peak bodies. 
• enabling the sector to adopt emerging tools and program resources, e.g. those associated with the development of a homeless - rolled out. 
• participating in co-designed reform activities, that reflect shared goals and sector-wide learning. 

This iterative and collaborative approach ensures that the SHS program remains responsive to strategic developments, while providing a clear framework for managing change in partnership with the sector. 

Further information on how these reforms will be embedded will be provided as it becomes available.

Homelessness services commissioning 2026

Homes NSW has completed the commissioning of the NSW homelessness service system in 2026, including the Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS) Program and associated homelessness programs.

The commissioning process was guided by the NSW Homelessness Strategy 2025-2035, which sets new directions to strengthen the capacity of the NSW service system to prevent and respond to homelessness over the next 10 years. The 2026 commissioning process represents an important milestone in progressing these directions. In addition, the Homes for NSW Strategy continues to drive system reform through a range of strategic initiatives aimed at improving outcomes for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

New five-year SHS Program contracts are now in place from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2031. Homes NSW will continue to work with funded service providers, peak bodies and other stakeholders to support the delivery of high-quality homelessness services and improve outcomes for people experiencing homelessness across NSW.

Which programs were included in homelessness services commissioning  2026?

Homelessness services commissioning covered the SHS Program and Homeless Youth Assistance Program (HYAP). This includes all current SHS Program contracts. It also includes former Service Support Fund (SSF) services which moved into the SHS Program in 2021.

Domestic Violence Response Enhancement (DVRE) services have been commissioned through the Homelessness Commissioning process as they remain connected with SHS contracts.

Separate to SHS Program commissioning, Homes NSW have reviewed a range of associated homelessness programs that were designed as pilots and initiatives to ensure key functions offered in these programs promote a more system-wide response for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

The approach for commissioning SHS and HYAP Programs

Homes NSW has completed the commissioning of the SHS and HYAP programs for the period 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2031. The commissioning process was designed to support continuity of service delivery while meeting NSW Government procurement requirements. 

A direct negotiation approach was used for the majority of contracts, minimising disruption for service providers, staff and clients. In a limited number of circumstances where existing lead providers did not continue their contracts, targeted procurement processes were undertaken, with Homes NSW working closely with affected providers throughout the transition. 

Under the new agreements, there has been no reduction in funding, reflecting the NSW Government's commitment to providing greater certainty for service providers and their staff, and supporting the ongoing delivery of services to people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

For contract-specific questions, please contact your local Commissioning and Planning team.

Domestic and family violence commissioning

The commissioning of Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) programs expiring in June 2026 has now been completed. The Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) Strategy, Policy and Commissioning (SPC) Branch undertook this process in parallel with the Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS) Program. The commissioning process included the following programs:

• Specialist Workers for Children & Young People (SWCYP)
• Staying Home Leaving Violence (SHLV)
• Integrated Domestic & Family Violence Services (IDFVS)

The commissioning of homelessness and DFV programs was aligned to support a streamlined and coordinated approach across related service systems. New contracts are now in place from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2031, providing continuity of service delivery and supporting improved outcomes for people experiencing domestic and family violence. For more information visit the Domestic and Family Violence Commissioning 2026 webpage.