Homelessness

Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network (CESPHN) is committed to improving health outcomes for people experiencing homelessness. With over 11,000 individuals experiencing different forms of homelessness in the region—accounting for 35% of NSW’s homeless population—CESPHN leads a coordinated, compassionate, and evidence-based response to this complex issue.

Regional Profile & Priority Populations

• Highest rates of homelessness are in Sydney Inner City, Strathfield-Burwood-Ashfield, and Inner West.
• Key priority groups include:
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
  • People from multicultural backgrounds
  • LGBTIQ+ individuals
  • Older adults
  • Refugees and asylum seekers
  • People with disabilities
  • People experiencing mental health issues
  • People impacted by Alcohol and drug use
  • Victims of domestic and family violence

Understanding Homelessness

Homelessness is more than just “rooflessness.” It includes a range of living situations where people lack stable, safe, and adequate housing. The ABS and the Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS) framework recognise several types:

1. Primary Homelessness

• People without conventional accommodation (e.g. sleeping rough, in parks, cars, or squats).

2. Secondary Homelessness

• People moving frequently between temporary shelters (e.g. couch surfing, crisis accommodation, refuges).

3. Tertiary Homelessness

• People living in boarding houses or caravan parks with no private facilities or security of tenure.

4. Marginal Housing

• People living in housing that is overcrowded, unsafe, or below minimum community standards.

5. Imminent Risk of Homelessness

• Individuals or families at risk due to eviction, domestic violence, or financial hardship.

Understanding these categories helps CESPHN and its partners tailor services to meet people where they are—physically, emotionally, and socially.

Health Services for People Experiencing Homelessness

CESPHN supports a range of after-hours and outreach health services, including:

• Kirketon Road Centre: Inner-city outreach team offering medical, counselling, and peer support services.
• St Vincent’s Homelessness Health Program: Mobile clinics and in-reach services to shelters and drop-in centres.
• The Station Drug and Alcohol Service: Drop-in and support service providing alcohol and other drugs (AOD) counselling with a focus on co-existing mental health and drug and alcohol support needs, case management, advocacy and referral.
• In 2024–25 these services combined supported over 2000 individuals experiencing primary homelessness

Integrated Care & Strategic Planning

CESPHN is a key partner in the regional Intersectoral Homelessness Health Strategy 2020–2025, which promotes:

• A housing-first approach
• Embedding of primary care within housing and homelessness services
• Strengthening collaboration between health, housing, and social services, and
• Enhancing data capture and service coordination

Research and Reports

CESPHN has commissioned and contributed to several key reports:

2025–2027 Homelessness Needs Assessment:

• The CESPHN Homelessness Needs Assessment Highlights unmet homelessness health needs and strategic priorities for the region.

Boarding House Health Needs Assessment (Inner West)

• In partnership with SLHD and Newtown Neighbourhood Centre, CESPHN is assessing unmet health needs of boarding house residents.

PHN Homelessness Health Framework

CESPHN Homelessness Health Framework

• In partnership with other PHNs and the Australian Alliance to End Homelessness (AAEH) CESPHN has led development of the PHN Homelessness Health Framework.

Get involved or learn more

If you’re a service provider, community member, or someone seeking support, CESPHN offers linkage to resources and referral pathways.

• Phone: 1300 986 991
• Email: info@cesphn.com.au