Compass Housing Services will be able to support more people in the Hunter and Western NSW who are experiencing homelessness into housing thanks to extra funding through the NSW Government’s Together Home program.

It is one of 17 community housing providers contracted to deliver an additional 256 packages of support under the third tranche of the landmark program. Together Home involves securing housing for rough sleepers from the private rental market and connecting them to tailored support services to address their individual needs.

Compass received funding for 30 packages for the Hunter when the program was launched in 2020. It received a further 30 packages for the Hunter mid-year. In this funding round, it has eight packages for the Hunter and three for Western NSW.

Compass’ program co-ordinator Carrie Bock said Together Home is different to programs run in the past because the funding is managed directly by Compass and the other community housing providers. Ms Bock said that, in line with the Housing First Model, this helps to ensure both housing and support services are tailored to participants.

She said as some of the participants being helped by the program have very complex issues, Compass has taken an innovative approach to successfully deliver the project.

“We have partnered with support agencies, The Jeder Institute, and Neami National, to accelerate the wrap around case management, mental health, and behaviour intervention support to help these tenants to maintain their tenancy,’ Ms Bock said.

Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Alister Henskens said when the additional packages are fully allocated, more than 1,000 people across NSW will have been supported through the program.

“Together Home is a nation-leading program that is delivering life-changing results and this additional boost will extend this work across the State,” Mr Henskens said.

“This builds on the work our Government has been doing to prevent and respond to homelessness, focusing on providing housing solutions for people most in need.”