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In this section

Responding to homelessness

People experiencing homelessness are vulnerable members of our community.

Council will treat all members of the community with dignity and respect.

Over 122,000 Australians are homeless, including 1205 people on the Sunshine Coast. 

The main causes of homelessness are:

  • a lack of social and affordable housing
  • low rental vacancy rate
  • unaffordable rents
  • domestic and family violence
  • financial stress
  • physical health, mental health and addiction.

Definition

A person is homeless if their current living arrangement:

  • is in an inadequate dwelling
  • has no tenure, or if their initial tenure is short and not extendable
  • does not allow them to have control of and access to space for social relations.

Thus, homelessness includes people who are:

  • sleeping rough
  • sleeping in cars and mobile homes
  • utilising crisis and temporary accommodation
  • living in overcrowded housing
  • staying with family and friends.

Support available

If you are experiencing homelessness or domestic and family violence you can call:

  • Housing Service Centre phone (07) 5352 7333
  • Homeless Hotline phone 1800 474 753
  • DVConnect phone 1800 811 811

The Sunshine Coast Housing and Homelessness Directory contains details for organisations that are providing services to people experiencing homelessness.

The following pages provide locational information about where to access basic amenities including food, showers and emergency relief such as food and vouchers.

These fact sheets below are provided by the local Community Centres.

Caloundra

Maroochydore

Nambour

Glasshouse

Coolum

Amenity Pass Program - access to daily showers

Access to free daily showers is available to people who are experiencing homelessness at nine Aquatic Centres across the Sunshine Coast.

ID and an Amenity Pass are required for access to the Aquatic Centres. Only available during the allocated times.

For more information on eligible Aquatic Centre locations and where to collect the Amenity Pass please click below.

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How you can help

Education

Increase your understanding and become involved in campaigns to end homelessness. 

Donate or volunteer

Contact a service in the Sunshine Coast Housing and Homelessness Directory. Enquire about what you can donate or volunteer your time and skills.

Sunny Coast Sleeper is currently accepting volunteer expressions of interest for various roles to expand their service in Nambour and Maroochydore. For a Volunteer Information Pack please email scsleeper2025@gmail.com  

Support or start a community-led initiative

Homelessness is a complex issue that requires a whole of community response. There are many community led solutions to homelessness across the Sunshine Coast. For more information, please contact council or email commdevelopment@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

Join a campaign

Visit Homelessness Australia and Everybody’s Home campaign to learn more and become involved in campaigns to end homelessness on the Sunshine Coast.

Homelessness Week

Homelessness Week is held in August each year. The purpose is to raise awareness of homelessness. For more information about resources, events and how you can get involved visit Homelessness Australia website.

Role of Government

Homelessness is not a choice and is a complex issue that requires a whole of government and community response to address.

State Government

State Government

The Queensland Government is the lead agency responsible for reducing homelessness and providing crisis and social housing. 

Council

Council

Council acknowledges they have a critical role to assist in reducing homelessness within our community. Council is:

  • committed to facilitating affordable and diverse housing options and to build our capacity to respond to homelessness and support community-led initiatives. See Sunshine Coast Council's Housing and Homelessness Action Plan 2023
  • partnering with State Government, community services, community groups and local housing providers
  • supporting the Sunshine Coast Housing & Homelessness Network
  • providing referrals to support services to support those experiencing homelessness
  • building skills, knowledge and understanding of homelessness
  • elevating and amplifying the voices of those with living and lived experience to raise awareness and be involved in decisions that impact them the most
  • developing resources e.g. Sunshine Coast Housing and Homelessness Directory that outlines support services
  • advocating for an increase temporary and permanent supportive housing
  • advocating for additional resources e.g. health services
  • facilitating and supporting community-led projects to respond to homelessness.

People have the right to access public space and public amenities.

Council will only engage with a person if:

  • they are in need of help
  • there are public health and safety issues
  • they are not complying with a relevant law or regulation
  • their belongings affect the use of public space or amenities.