Community information and FAQs

Mission Australia Housing is establishing supported temporary accommodation at the Collingwood Street site under our contract with Homes NSW. It gives adults experiencing homelessness a short‑stay, safe place to stabilise while we help them secure longer‑term housing. Demand is high in Coffs Harbour due to housing costs and limited affordable rentals.

• Who stays: Adults needing short‑term supported accommodation (no families with children under 18 at this site).
• Capacity: 23 rooms, up to 40 people at a time.
• Length of stay: Generally up to three months.
• How it runs: Mission Australia staff on site Monday–Friday; professional security overnight and on weekends.

We run the site so that residents, staff and neighbours feel safe and respected. Staff are onsite during the day and evening, with professional security overnight and on weekends. Building access is controlled, visitors are permitted only during staffed hours, and everyone agrees to clear expectations around safety, noise and respectful behaviour.

• On‑site presence: Mission Australia staff during the day and evening; professional security overnight and on weekends.
• Secure access: Key‑card entry with controlled visitor access during staffed hours.
• Behaviour expectations: A clear code of conduct supports safety and respect for all.
• Proportionate responses: Early support and graduated steps if issues arise.

We start community engagement once a site is confirmed as viable so your feedback can shape how the service operates. From there, we keep neighbours and local businesses informed through regular updates, opportunities to meet in person, and a single place online for the latest information.

• Channels: This community page, QR codes on printed materials and direct contact with the project team.
• Face‑to‑face: Regular engagement with local residents and businesses, including monthly updates during the establishment phase.
• Two‑way feedback: Clear ways to ask questions and share concerns or ideas.

The service is monitored every day on site and through regular reporting. We act early if concerns are raised, using clear escalation pathways and proportionate responses. Over time, we review operational data and community feedback so the model stays safe, well‑managed and responsive to local needs.

• Daily oversight: On‑site management and routine checks.
• Early intervention: Staff support and behaviour plans before issues escalate.
• Escalation: Clear, proportionate steps when required to protect safety.
• Continuous improvement: Outcomes and feedback inform ongoing refinements.

We take all concerns seriously and value community feedback. We will listen, respond promptly and work with you to resolve issues. We also appreciate hearing what is working well, so we can keep improving.

• Email: [email protected]
• What to include: Your question or concern, where and when it occurred, and a contact method so we can follow up.
• Our approach: We acknowledge your message, look into it quickly and let you know the next steps.

Hotels and motels can be expensive in a holiday area and are not always suitable or available when demand is high. Rooms may lack kitchen facilities or accessible bathrooms, and availability can vary during busy periods. A dedicated, supported service provides safer, more consistent accommodation and makes it easier to deliver the right support on site.

• Cost: Higher and variable costs in peak periods.
• Suitability: Not all rooms have appropriate facilities for people’s needs.
• Reliability: Rooms are not always available when needed.
• Support: A single, supported site enables consistent help and clearer expectations.

The high cost of housing is putting many locals under financial pressure, especially renters relying on income support. There is strong demand for safe, short‑term accommodation while people work towards secure, longer‑term housing. Temporary supported accommodation provides a practical, local response.

• Housing stress: Rising rents and limited affordable options.
• Demand: People experiencing homelessness need a safe place to rest and reset.
• Outcome focus: Short stays with support to secure long‑term housing.

Stays are generally up to three months. During that time, we work alongside each person to plan next steps and connect them with long‑term housing options and local services.

• Typical stay: Up to three months.
• Support: Case management, referrals and practical help.
• Next steps: A focus on securing appropriate, longer‑term housing.