If you urgently need accommodation, call Link2home on 1800 152 152, an information and telephone referral service open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you're homeless or at risk of losing your home
The Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) provides:
- specialist homelessness services for individuals and families
- the MyHousing App - an online service with tenancy information for existing DCJ clients
The DCJ also:
- helps existing clients of homelessness services with private rental options
- supports rough sleepers and outreach programs for vulnerable tenants
- finds temporary accommodation if you have to self-isolate
Ask Izzy
Ask Izzy is an online search tool that helps people find shelter, food, health and other critical support services. It is free and anonymous.
Through answering a few simple questions online, Ask Izzy can find the most suitable specialist homeless service in your area. Answers are private and no personal information is collected.
Most of the homeless shelters offered provide meals and low-cost board. Some shelters have staff available 24 hours a day.
Specialist housing support services
See the topic Finding somewhere new to live for more details covering:
- if you're moving house
- buying a home
- Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people
- community and affordable housing options
If you're a tenant facing eviction, see the topic If you rent a home and are financially affected by coronavirus for more information.
If you're experiencing family or domestic violence
Start Safely
The Department of Communities and Justice operates a housing rental assistance service called Start Safely.
It is for people who do not have a stable and secure place to live due to domestic or family violence. Start Safely can be used to:
- help find a safe and affordable place to rent
- pay some of your rent for up to 3 years
- assist with education and employment options
You can find additional services and advice on what to do next, including support for housing relief, at:
- Domestic Violence NSW which has a referral page listing a range of services across NSW
- 1800RESPECT - 24 hour counselling and support service 1800 737 732
- Women's Legal Service NSW advises women who are experiencing family and domestic violence
- Women's Housing Company provides crisis support and accommodation for women on limited incomes across Sydney, the Hunter region and Coffs Harbour
- Women's Community Shelters offers short term emergency housing and support for homeless women
Help provided by charities and other organisations
There are multiple agencies and charities that offer emergency housing and accommodation services for people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army can help find you a place to sleep, eat, shower, as well as provide access to support services. Their options include:
- emergency and crisis accommodation
- temporary or transitional accommodation or lodgings
- long-term accommodation or community housing
Learn more about housing and homelessness support at the Salvation Army.
Australian Red Cross
Through caseworkers, the Red Cross operates a range of housing and food programs for specific groups, including:
- the elderly
- youth at risk of sleeping rough
- people experiencing mental health issues
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Wesley Mission
The Wesley Mission is a faith-based organisation providing a range of support services to families, children and the elderly, and particularly those struggling with homelessness.
Learn more about the Wesley Mission's:
Uniting Care
Uniting Care is a faith-based organisation providing secure and safe housing. Its homelessness and crisis accommodation services are location-based, and include:
Dignity
Dignity is a not-for-profit that offers emergency guest accommodation and other housing services to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. You can learn more about Dignity or call them on 1300 332 334.
Dignity also provides lifestyle support programs, including:
- a food relief service that stocks the kitchens of those at risk of homelessness, as well as provide home-cooked meals
- new and replacement clothing through its partner, Thread Together
Foodbank and emergency relief packages
If you've been directed to self-isolate, and have no family or friends able to help, the Office of Emergency Management and Foodbank are coordinating the supply of emergency relief packages.
The parcels contain 2 weeks of food and personal care items, including:
- pasta and long life milk
- canned vegetables
- toilet paper
If you, or someone you know is in need, call 13 77 88.
Get mental health support
Looking after your mental health is as important as looking after your physical wellbeing. If the impact of coronavirus is placing pressure on your income, family or relationships, there is a wide range of services you can reach out to.
- get help with depression and anxiety at Beyond Blue or call 1800 512 348
- professional help, advice and referrals to local mental health services at NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511
- find support services at Relationships Australia or call 1300 364 277
- access telephone and online counselling services for men at Mensline or call 1300 789 978
- get free, confidential phone and online counselling anytime for young people aged 5 to 25 at Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
- find mental health resources at Head to Health
- search for a social worker through Services Australia