The need in Coffs Harbour
The high cost of housing is placing great financial strain on many people across the Coffs Harbour region, particularly renters relying on income support payments.
Individuals and families are having to choose between paying rent or putting food on the table, buying medication and other essentials. When rents become unaffordable for working people, inequality in our region increases and people can be pushed into homelessness or forced to leave their communities.
In March 2025, the Anglicare Rental Affordability Snapshot found 162 private rental listings in the Coffs Harbour region, yet none of them were affordable for:
- A household relying primarily on a Centrelink benefit, or
- A household where two parents where both working full-time on minimum wage
For many local families and individuals, even full time work no longer guarantees access to safe, affordable housing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We’ve put these questions together to share information and have an open conversation with the community about the Coffs Harbour Supported Temporary Accommodation project.
Mission Australia Housing intends to utilise the Collingwood Street site as supported temporary accommodation as part of our existing contract with NSW Government to provide temporary accommodation to people experiencing homelessness. This supported model of accommodation will ensure that people doing it tough get the help they need to find stability and hope for the future.
The high cost of housing is placing a huge financial strain on many people across the Coffs Harbour region. Across the region, there’s a high demand for safe and secure short-term accommodation. People experiencing homelessness need a safe and supported space to rest and reset as they work towards securing alternate options.
The site consists of 23 rooms suitable for single people and some couples. The site will have Mission Australia Housing and Support staff Monday to Friday with security arrangements in place for after hours and on weekends. In a temporary supported accommodation model, it is anticipated that occupants will reside at the site for up to three months during which time they will be supported to secure alternate housing. This accommodation is not suitable for families, children and anyone under 18 years.
The site will have onsite staff during the day and evening, with security arrangements in place after hours and on weekends. Access to the building will be controlled by secure key-card entry, and visitors access will be limited to set times.
People accessing this service will be supported to understand their obligations including expectations around safety, noise, visitors and respectful behaviour.
Where behaviour does not meet expectations, staff will apply proportionate, graduated responses such as increased support, behaviour management plans, or restrictions, to protect residents, staff and the surrounding community.
We understand the importance of engaging with community and working alongside our neighbours to create a thriving community. We understand that community has an interest in this development and want opportunities to understand this program more and to provide feedback.
There will be multiple ways for community members to stay informed and provide input, including a dedicated webpage, QR code access to project information, and direct contact with the project team.
We will also continue regular, face to face engagement with local residents and businesses, including monthly updates during the establishment phase, so that questions, concerns and ideas can be discussed as the project progresses.
We have a team of over 30 staff in the Coffs Harbour region, who manage a diverse range of programs and housing services.
Mission Australia will have staff based on site from both the Housing and Support Services teams during business hours, providing building services and support to our clients. This team is supported by our wider Mission Australia Coffs Harbour team, based at Duke St in Coffs CBD.
As with all of our programs, we use continual review and improvement to ensure that we are providing the best possible service to the people we serve and to our stakeholders including government and the wider community. We do this through a range of mechanisms including providing feedback opportunities and our Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) work. We want to know that we are making a difference and improving outcomes for individuals and communities.
Residents are referred through established service pathways and assessed to ensure the accommodation is appropriate to their needs and that they are suitable for the program. This includes consideration of support requirements and suitability for a shared, supported living environment. The program is designed for people who can live independently and engage positively in short-term accommodation and support services.
Temporary accommodation for people experiencing homelessness | NSW Government
The site will be actively managed by onsite trained staff, with clear procedures in place to respond to any situation. The focus is on maintaining a safe environment for residents staff and the community.
After-hours arrangements will include security presence and clear escalation processes to ensure any issues are responded to quickly and appropriately. Our approach is designed with a proactive and supportive early intervention and prevention focus.
The site will be supported by a combination of on-site management, security, appropriate design and security features, along with robust operational processes.
These are intended to support positive outcomes, minimise disruption, support respectful use of the property and maintain a safe and well-managed environment for both residents and neighbours.
Please contact us on 1800 269 672.
Mission Australis Housing welcomes community feedback including concerns. We are committed to work collaboratively with the community to answer questions and address any concerns.
You can contact us anytime via email: [email protected].
Clear processes will be in place to respond to any issues that arise. This includes site-level management, escalation pathways and ongoing monitoring of how the site is operating. Where required, adjustments can be made to ensure the site continues to operate safely and appropriately within the local context.
MAH have a 24/7 hotline for residents and community members.
Supported temporary accommodation is a well-established approach used across Australia. The model applied here draws on experience from similar services, including what has been effective in supporting residents while operating as part of established communities.