Commissioning homelessness services

Homelessness services commissioning 2026

Homes NSW is now working with the sector, peak bodies and other stakeholders to plan for the commissioning of the NSW homelessness service system in 2026, including Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS) and associated homelessness programs.

Homelessness commissioning will be guided by the NSW Homelessness Strategy 2025-2035, which sets new directions to build the capacity of the NSW service system to prevent and respond to homelessness over the next 10 years. The 2026 and 2031 commissioning processes are important opportunities for progressing these directions. Additionally, the soon to be released Homes for NSW Strategy will be an important driver of system reform over the next five years, with a range of strategic projects established under that banner.

SHS Program contracts will be commissioned to 2031 under new five-year contracts commencing 1 July 2026. Homes NSW will work with local service providers through a commissioning process that is the least disruptive to allow continued service delivery.

Which programs are included in homelessness services commissioning for 2026?

Homelessness services commissioning covers 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 will be commissioned through the Homelessness Commissioning process as they remain connected with SHS contracts.

Alongside the commissioning of the SHS Programs we are reviewing a range of associated homelessness programs that were designed as pilots. We are looking at how we can implement the key functions offered in these programs across the state in a more systematic way. More information will be available soon about the approach for these programs.

Domestic and family violence commissioning 

The DCJ Strategy, Policy and Commissioning (SPC) Branch is commissioning Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) contracts also expiring in June 2026, in parallel with the SHS Program. The commissioning process will include the following programs:

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

The homelessness and DFV commissioning processes are being coordinated to achieve the most streamlined process possible. For more information visit the Domestic and Family Violence Commissioning 2026 webpage. 

The approach for homelessness services commissioning 2026

Homelessness services commissioning will primarily be led by engaging with existing providers about new five-year funding agreements with key outputs that can be used to inform contract management.

Homes NSW will adopt the least disruptive procurement process possible, with the aim of providing stability to the sector and preserving existing collaborative relationships, while meeting NSW Government procurement requirements.

All new contracts will be five years in duration. The NSW Government remains committed to secure jobs and funding certainty, and a new contract term of 5 years delivers on this election commitment.

As part of the review of homelessness initiatives and pilot programs (separate to SHS Program commissioning), there may be opportunities for new entrants who currently don’t receive funding but have demonstrated local capability working with people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Further details will be shared with the sector shortly.

Next steps

DCJ intends to invite service providers to engage in contract negotiations later in 2025 and will allow plenty of time for these negotiations to be finalised before 30 June 2026. Local Commissioning and Planning Teams will be the primary contacts for all services.

Current program specifications are being reviewed as part of the commissioning process. Details of any proposed changes will be available in advance of any contract negotiation activities.

More information about commissioning

Guidance for the homelessness services commissioning 2026 process has been developed for service providers and partners – read more on our Homelessness Services Commissioning 2026 FAQ. 

We have already received a range of questions from the sector about the commissioning program and associated strategic initiatives. Current funded SHS providers are encouraged to raise questions to their contract manager in the first instance, or email the SHS mailbox SHSProgram@Homes.nsw.gov.au

The FAQ resource will be updated regularly to respond to questions as more information becomes available.