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New data shows 59 people per day are turned away from homelessness services in NSW because they are too full and overwhelmed.

Australia Institute of Health and Welfare figures released today show services around the state served 67,824 clients in the 2024-5 financial year. The Capital Region had the most clients, followed by Sydney City and New England.

The number of people being turned away from services rose to 59 a day on average, up from 57 last year. Almost 40% of those were turned away because the service had no accommodation available.

The figures also showed that 16% of people seeking assistance were employed, up from 13% in 2018-19.

Homelessness NSW CEO Dominique Rowe said the figures showed services were struggling under the weight of rising demand.

“Across the state people are being turned away from help in their most desperate time of need. This is a truly heartbreaking and devastating situation. Frontline staff are working extremely hard to help as many people as possible but the demand is relentless. The housing crisis is now so dire that people who have never needed help before – including people with full-time jobs – are seeking help. This is a disaster unfolding before our eyes and requires urgent action. The government must boost funding for overwhelmed homelessness services so more people aren’t forced to sleep on the streets.”

Key stats:

• On average, NSW had 59 daily average unassisted requests for support
• 23 of those (38%) were because the service had no accommodation available. That was by far the most common reason for turnaway.
• NSW services served 67,824 clients

• 54.3% of clients presenting were already homeless at first presentation – up from 53% last year and higher than the national average of 48.7%