During the period of  June 2015  to July 2016 McCosker House were unable to provide accommodation on site to 411 individuals and children.

St Vincent de Paul Society NSW Support Services, McCosker House service manager Carla Wilson said there has been a 26 per cent increased demand for the service from the previous period of 2014/2015. 

Ms Wilson said the reason behind the increase is a result of local and national factors such as a lack of affordable housing available.

“We are seeing a rapid decline in housing affordability with many individuals and families priced out of the Hastings rental market,” she said. 

“There has also been a decline in low cost housing availability such as caravan parks and long term motels are closing down to make way for new developments.”

Ms Wilson said homelessness at any time of year is very challenging for individuals and families, however Christmas time can be exceptionally difficult time.

“There is a heightened sense of loss of family, friends and a roof over their heads,” she said.  

The service has received hamper donations from St Agnes Parish, fresh bread from Lake Bakery, food and financial donations from St Joseph’s Regional School, toy donations from local preschools and presents from Centrelink.

“We are always so thankful and amazed at the kind donations we receive , it shows how much the Hastings community care about homeless individuals and families,” Ms Wilson said. 

There are seven self-contained units onsite at McCosker House.

“This enables us to provide short term housing to single parents, single males, couples with or without children and large families,” Ms Wilson said.

“At times we can have up to 12 children and 15 adults staying.”

The double garage at McCosker House is in the process of being converted into a Homeless Resource Centre resources room where tenancy courses and other educational programs can be run. Individuals can also access computers, phones and case workers. 

The establishment of the Homeless Resource Centre is due to the generous grant and support from The Newcastle Permanent Community Foundation.

There are two onsite case workers who assist people to overcome barriers which can prevent them from gaining housing and refer them to appropriate services.

Funding, Ms Wilson said is an ongoing concern for the service as it is solely funded by the St Vincent de Paul Society.  

The service is continuously looking at developing new initiatives to meet the growing demand.

Staff provide outreach support, food and material aid to individuals and families at risk homelessness for up two years. 

The program is designed to help individuals move from homelessness into employment and education.

Vinnies has launched the Right to Home campaign which includes a petition and a call to action for the state government to set a 15 per cent affordable housing target for all new developments.

Port News contacted the NSW government planning minister for comment. 

For more information visit www.vinnies.org.au