Lord Mayor of Parramatta, Cr John Chedid, said that data collected as part of the initiative, which is now entering its fourth year, will be used to develop appropriate responses to address homelessness and improve the wellbeing of homeless people in the Parramatta area.
“The aim of this project is to collect data that can then be used to help break the homelessness cycle,” Cr Chedid said.
“Council is committed to working with our community to deliver better social outcomes for people and families that are vulnerable. The information we gather will enable us to better understand the level of need in our community,” Cr Chedid said.
PCC is seeking volunteers to take part in this initiative. In 2012, more than 100 volunteers took part in the count and located 33 rough sleepers and 284 sleeping in emergency and crisis accommodation - resulting in a total of 317 homeless residents.
“The issue of homelessness is important. It’s vital that Council work with local agencies to support our vulnerable and disadvantaged communities,” Cr Chedid said.
Volunteers will be required to attend an information session before taking part in the program. All information collected will be non-identifying and locations of rough sleepers will not be publicly released.
Local agencies will also provide data on the incidence of secondary homelessness – those sleeping in temporary accommodation, such as shelters and hostels.
On the same night, the City of Sydney will also conduct a street count. The combined results will provide a better insight into the number of people sleeping rough on a broader scale and continue to provide valuable data for Parramatta City Council.
Anyone interested in volunteering or discussing opportunities to be involved with the street count please contact Elizabeth Sayers at Parramatta City Council on 9806 5473 or register online at http://www.parracity.nsw.gov.au/your_council/news/news/campaigns/parramatta_2013_street_count_-_registration_form
