The latest City of Sydney Homelessness Street Count results show that people are seeking help, but that the emergency system is at capacity. Volunteers contacted 254 people sleeping rough this year where there were 278 in August last year, down about eight per cent. But there were another 592 people in temporary accommodation, more than last year’s 495 and nearly at capacity.

We need the federal government to work with Lord Mayor Clover Moore, Communities Minister Gareth Ward and Housing Minister Melinda Pavey to provide safe and affordable homes to stop the cycle of homelessness.