Fresh approach needed in the battle to prevent homelessness

The PAYCE Foundation has welcomed a new report on how to tackle homelessness in NSW which recommends a more co-ordinated approach and more emphasis on preventing homelessness.

The Homelessness NSW report launched during Homelessness Week calls for government bodies, service providers, and not-for-profit organisations to ensure a long-term approach to reducing homelessness — making sure it becomes a rare, brief, and non-recurring experience.

It says current efforts were more focused on short-term needs.

Collating data from service providers, policy makers, and advocates through more than 650 interviews, Homelessness NSW acting chief executive Amy Hains said post-pandemic rent rises have inflated rates of homelessness in the state.

The demand for homelessness services has increased by 10 per cent in the past three months, putting increased pressure on the system.

“That’s (due to) spiralling rents, low rental vacancy rates and the rising cost of living, more people are being pushed into homelessness,” Ms Hains told the Daily Telegraph.

NSW Homelessness Minister Rose Jackson, who spoke at the report launch, said her focus would be to increase housing in the state.

“You can’t solve homelessness if you don’t have homes for people to live in and that is the work we will be prioritising,” she said.

“Building homes across our state for people who need them.”

PAYCE Foundation Director Dominic Sullivan said one of the findings was the importance of data sharing and the input of people with lived experience.

The PAYCE-Foundation supported End Street Sleeping Collaboration has been highly effective in tackling the core issues causing homelessness using digital data gathered from homeless people on the street.

“The rising number of people now sleeping rough is alarming – now is the time to act and this blueprint from Homelessness NSW is a good plan.”

“The focus on preventing homelessness is also a critical finding of the report.

“The End Street Sleeping Collaboration, with its large number of member organisations, is the perfect vehicle to play a role in tackling the issues identified in the report.”

Steve stands tall as he chases his dream to live drug free

By his own admission, Adele House client Steve* was struggling to beat his addiction to drugs after coming before the NSW Drug Court.

The Salvation Army and Adele House team alongside Senior Judge for the Drug Court of NSW, Her Honour Judge Jane Mottley.

The options were clear, make changes or remain in a life of crime and drug taking.

He started that journey in Sydney, but it was not until he arrived at residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre, Adele House near Coffs Harbour that he made real progress.

The $10 million facility, built with funding from the PAYCE Foundation and the NSW Government, and run by the Salvation Army, is delivering exceptional results.

Steve, who is just weeks away, from completing the program stood before 200 people at the recent Network of Alcohol and other Drug Agencies (NADA) “Creating Safe Spaces” conference in Sydney and told his story.

As he pointed out he was not accustomed to public speaking he received a rousing reception, recognition of his achievements.

“When I first arrived at Adele, I was blown away by the state-of-the-art facilities, the support from staff was genuine and everyone was very welcoming when I arrived.

“The staff have a great wealth of knowledge, with a lot of them having their own passed lived experiences.
“They carry out their duties in a professional manner and they genuinely care about the client’s recovery journey.”

Steve has made every post a winner since he arrived at Adele, not only completing the program, but also working at Adele Training Farm – a PAYCE Foundation social enterprise where blueberries and blackberries are commercially grown.

The farm profits help fund the operations at Adele House.

He also found time to study at TAFE – has almost finished a Certificate IV in Community Services, with a mission to help other men overcome their addiction to drugs and alcohol.

His life today is a far cry from one beholden to addiction and crime.

But for Steve, the best is yet to come.

*Not his real name.

Jose rejoicing in his new life

When Jose Porcia arrived at drug rehabilitation centre, Adele House he was in the grip of a 13-year Ice addiction that had cost him everything.

Jose Porcia – now working hard to help people in the local community.

“I was walking through Sydney Airport to catch my flight to Coffs Harbour to Adele House for the substance abuse program with a garbage bag of clothes that did not even belong to me,” Jose said.

“I looked at everyone else with their luggage and they were happy, and I was so ashamed.”

Within two years of taking up Ice, Jose had drained his savings, lost his job, become homeless and alienated family and friends as he became desperate to do anything to get his hands on the money to fund his habit.

“I fell in love with Ice and the feeling it gave me, so after just three months I was in touch with the dealer, and then I would leave work in the middle of the day to drive from the CBD to Rosehill near Parramatta to spend the entire day there,” Jose told the Daily Telegraph.

“Within six months, I was spending $1000 a week and it was all fine until I ran out of savings.”
“It ruined my life,” he said.

Jose was facing the real prospect of spending the rest of his life in out of jail as he tried to feed his habit with crime.

He was given a chance – the NSW Drug Court gave him the option of entering the rehabilitation program at Adele House.

The Drug Court is a specialist court that provides an alternative to prison for eligible participants with drug dependencies.

He smashed his phone to eliminate the temptation of getting in touch with any dealers or former connections and spent 11 months in rehab at Adele House.

“One day at a time, I got clean, and I did everything they asked me to do, and I never went back to Sydney,” he said.

“The first day I went back to Sydney was to go to the Drug Court in front of Judge Dive on the day of graduation.

Since leaving Adele House seven years ago, which is funded by the PAYCE Foundation and operated by the Salvation Army, Jose has dedicating his life to helping others.

He is now a dedicated soldier at the Salvation Army, Coffs Harbour and he’s been using his lived experience to help with anti-drug campaigns.

He was also on hand when the PAYCE Foundation donated a food trailer to the Salvation Army in Coffs Harbour which is on the road, delivering food to the rising number of homeless people in the area.

Jose, who appreciates the support he received at Adele House, is healthy and happy and looking to continue his work assisting people.

“By sharing if I can help someone else, it is all worth it.”

PAYCE Director Dominic Sullivan said: “Jose is an excellent example of what can be achieved by a person who gets the right help, at the right time, to beat a drug habit.”

“It is wonderful to see that Jose is not only living a good life but making an outstanding contribution to the local community through his work.”

PAYCE Foundation donated food van hits the road

A food van donated by the PAYCE Foundation to the Salvation Army has hit the road in Coffs Harbour to help people in need.

First stop was the Coffs Farmers Market.

The PAYCE Foundation has had a long association with the Salvation Army and its local Pastor Major Andrew van Gaalen.

“It’s a ripper of a van, in the style of the classic Jet Stream design, and is a fantastic donation,” Andrew told local newspaper News Of The Area.

With a dream of having the van out every day of the week at targeted locations of known need, the van is starting off with its Farmers Market gig on Thursdays and Friday nights at The Jetty.

“There’s a lot of people down at The Jetty who, for a variety of reasons, are currently homeless,” said Andrew.

“We will start off with van visits on Friday evenings so they can go into the weekend with a warm hearty meal inside them,” he said.

“Some people are without a home because they like that lifestyle, but there’s a whole new cohort who cannot afford rent prices and the high cost of living.

“They don’t like the lifestyle, but for some there is a sense of shame and embarrassment around accessing services.

“Some rents are high, people have been released from their tenancies, all these people who find themselves in a disadvantaged position have different reasons for being there, but one thing they all have in common is that they are homeless,” said Andrew.

The way the food service works is through a chain of links.

Coffs Harbour Salvos has close connections with the Adele House rehabilitation centre in Bucca which is funded by the PAYCE Foundation.

“They have a beautiful vegie garden of freshly growing produce, which is harvested for chef Neville and his team to cook up into meals.

“We are serving the meals as well as cooking onboard the van.”

Kitted out with a deep fryer, grill, pie warmer, fridges, microwave and a coffee machine, the van is a kitchen-on-the-go.

“We are hoping to purchase rice cookers and a soup cooker,” he said.

Drivers of the food van project, Benn and Andy, with a long connection to Coffs Salvos, are in charge of getting the vehicle to its various vantage points.

“Being seen is an important part of this launch,” said Andrew.

“Getting the word out that the Salvos food van is now serving meals to the homeless means setting up in public places near where homeless people frequent; they can see us and we’re there for them.”

There’s a roster of volunteers already signed up to support the service.

To grow the offering Coffs Salvation Army needs more volunteers not only to serve meals but also to drive the van.

“We will need drivers of vehicles with a two-tonne towing capacity,” said Andrew.

To support the Salvos food van the business community of Coffs Harbour is being asked to connect with Andrew Van Gaalen.

“We are seeking a main sponsor for the van, on-going funding, donations and we always welcome help-in-kind from trades and business partners in the city.

“To achieve our dream of a daily/nightly service, the van requires a lot of personnel,” said Andrew.

Stand Tall inspires students to live a happy and healthy life

An inspirational line-up of speakers had hundreds of students, keen to learn more about mental health, mesmerised during this year’s Stand Tall event at the International Convention Centre on June 8.

The Stand Tall Event was founded in 2012 in response to the tragic level of drug use, depression, bullying, hopelessness and self-harm among high school students.

A photo from last years event in action at the International Convention Centre Sydney. Source: Stand Tall Website\

The event brings a host of speakers together to arm them with the skills of resilience, the strength to stand up to bullying, the keys to motivation, the power of perspective and the benefits of making wise decisions.

This year’s line up included rugby league star Nicho Hynes who is dedicated to assisting young people with their mental health and music sensation Timomatic.

Ambassador and former Paralympian Joany Badenhorst said: “The vibe and energy following this year’s event was absolutely infectious, you could feel the student’s emotions rising from the inspiring stories of all the speakers.”

“The energy and passion of the music squad, especially Timomatic, is always a fan favourite.”

As Australia’s premier female Para-snowboarder, Joany won silver and bronze medals in three consecutive Women’s Para-snowboarding World Championships.

Joany, who hosted the live stream event said: “How fantastic it was to interview the 2023 Stand Tall line-up for the thousands of students online and on 7Plus and open-up on some fun and thought-provoking questions.

“It was an honour to be amongst such beautiful and inspiring people. I am forever grateful to the PAYCE Foundation who continues to support me and my work within such an incredible community.”

Stand Tall will be returning to the regions this year, with an event scheduled for Tamworth on November 17.

Big turnout to remember the silent passing of the homeless

A dedicated crowd braved bitterly cold conditions in Martin Place for the annual Homeless Memorial Service in the heart of the city on June 21.

The public ceremony – now in its third year – is an opportunity for the community to remember those lives and to grieve for all individuals who have died on the streets or in shelters over the past year.


Two hundred mourners braved the cold to remember the passing of too many homeless people.

PAYCE Foundation and End Street Sleeping Collaboration Director Dominic Sullivan said he was pleased with the response to this year’s special service, with more than 200 people attending.

The PAYCE Foundation is the founding philanthropic partner of the End Street Sleeping Collaboration.

The 2023 NSW Street Count published on the day of the service revealed a 34 per cent increase in rough sleepers in 12 months.

Mr Sullivan said: “The terrible truth is that many homeless people who pass away are not commemorated

“With Australia, in the midst of a housing crisis and Sydney being the epicentre of that crisis, we fear the number will grow.”

Mr Sullivan said social service organisations were calling on all Local and State Governments to implement a uniform nation-wide Code Red/ Code Blue emergency response protocol for rough sleepers in extreme weather events.”

“Climate change has a disproportionate impact on homeless people. As the frequency of extreme weather events is expected to increase, governments and communities need to collaborate to ensure that the most vulnerable are protected.”

In addition to the general community, the memorial service also welcomed the friends, families, and carers of those that have sadly died, including the many outreach and health workers, volunteers, and other community workers that work with those experiencing homelessness.

The Service was supported by a number of charities and community organisations, including the End Street Sleeping Collaboration, the Wayside Chapel, the Office of Justice & Peace, and Catholic Cemeteries. Two legendary community choirs performed – the Honeybees Choir and the Sydney Street Choir.

Former rough sleeper Andrew Windsor spoke at the event, giving a eulogy for his deceased friends.

“Just a few weeks ago, one of my homeless brothers died, and at present someone who in my own homeless journey was instrumental in getting me off the streets is also in palliative care,” Mr Windsor said.

Mr Sullivan said: “This is a unique opportunity to remember and celebrate the lives of those that died without a home, and often without a commemoration.

“The aim of the End Street Sleeping Collaboration is to bring attention to the plight experienced by so many people sleeping rough, and to ensure no-one should be living or dying on our streets. As a community we need to understand that homelessness is solvable.”

Memorial Service on the Winter Solstice

For the first time the annual Homeless Memorial Service will be celebrated at a special ceremony in the heart of Sydney’s community at 6pm in Martin Place on Wednesday 21 June.

June 21 is the longest night of the year. The winter solstice brings darkness early and as the temperature drops, we will be reminded that over the last twelve months many people died silently, unnamed and unmourned on the streets of Sydney.

Caring souls brave winter chill to remember homeless victims

The Sydney Street Choir performing at last year’s service. Picture: Courtesy of Catholic Cemeteries.

This public ceremony is an opportunity for the community to remember those lives and to grieve for all individuals who have died on the streets or in shelters over the past year. Because the terrible truth is that many homeless people who pass away are not commemorated. With Australian in the midst of a housing crisis and Sydney being the epicentre of that crisis, we fear the number will grow.

This year organisers are calling on all Local and State Governments to implement a uniform nation-wide Code Red/ Code Blue emergency response protocol for rough sleepers in extreme weather events.

Climate change has a disproportionate impact on homeless people. As the frequency of extreme weather events is expected to increase, governments and communities need to collaborate to ensure that the most vulnerable are protected.

Now in its third year, the Homeless Memorial Service is being held in Martin Place in the heart of Sydney’s CBD and everyone is welcome to become a part of this service. In addition to the general community, the Service also welcomes the friends, families, and carers of those that have sadly died, including the many outreach and health workers, volunteers, and other community workers that work with those experiencing homelessness.

The Service is being supported by a number of charities and community organisations, including the End Street Sleeping Collaboration, the Wayside Chapel, the Office of Justice & Peace, and Catholic Cemeteries.

Two legendary community choirs will be on hand to perform – the Honeybees Choir and the Sydney Street Choir.

Event organiser and End Street Sleeping Director Dominic Sullivan said he was hoping for the broader community of Sydney to come out for the special service.

“This is a unique opportunity to remember and celebrate the lives of those that died without a home, and often without a commemoration. Our aim is to remember them. The aim of the End Street Sleeping Collaboration is to bring attention to the plight experienced by so many people sleeping rough, and to ensure no-one should be living or dying on our streets. As a community we need to understand that homelessness is solvable.”

Mr Sullivan said the service was an opportunity to acknowledge homeless victims and provide comfort and support to victims’ families and friends as well as all those affected including carers, outreach workers, volunteers, health workers and community workers.

“We also recognise the dedicated work undertaken by many community, not for profit and faith-based organisations helping those sleeping rough on the streets of Sydney.’’

Food trailer to help people hit by perfect social storm

Coffs Harbour has been savaged by a perfect social storm, rising rents, skyrocketing cost-of- living and people struggling to meet their mortgage repayments, not to mention recent floods, fires and the COVID-19 pandemic.

PAYCE Foundation Director Will Morgan hands over the trailer keys to Major Andrew van Gaalen

Ironically, major infrastructure projects, including the Coffs Harbour road bypass are putting pressure on social services, as workers look for long-term housing.

The Salvation Army at Coffs Harbour is finding people turning up at their doorstep they have never helped before.

The PAYCE Foundation, which has had a long association with the Salvation Army in the town, was keen to help.

The Salvation Army had part-time access to a food trailer which was often commandeered for emergency work.

More recently, the trailer was needed for major floods and the Salvation Army Coffs Harbour has been left searching for a replacement.

The PAYCE Foundation was happy to oblige, donating a retro-style food trailer that can deliver food and help where it is needed.
PAYCE Foundation Director Dominic Sullivan said the Salvation Army did an outstanding job assisting people in the local community.

“We have had a long association with the Salvation Army, and we were more than happy to assist with the donation of the food trailer which most importantly will ensure they can bring the support to where it is most needed.”

“The level of homelessness in Coffs Harbour is alarming and it only appears to be getting worse.”

People living in cars and tents is now, sadly, a familiar sight.

The distinctive trailer will be used to deliver food and support at hot spots around the town, and in emergency events.

It is a commercial-grade food trailer with extensive cooking facilities and a coffee machine.

Salvation Army Major Andrew van Gaalen said the donation was greatly appreciated and would allow the organisation to help many people in urgent need.

“We had been looking to run a mobile service for sometime, COVID, the fires and floods changed everything here,” he said.

“We want to target those people who are really missing out on support.”

Major Van Gaalen said the Salvation Army was looking for corporate sponsors to help with the new mobile service.

Residential rehabilitation plays critical role in returning clients to society

Residential drug rehabilitation facilities, like Adele House, are delivering miracles in the role they play to assist drug offenders return to the community as law abiding citizens, according to the Senior Judge for the Drug Court of NSW.

Her Honour Judge Jane Mottley outlined the Drug Court program to the Network of Alcohol and other Drug Agencies (NADA) “Creating Safe Spaces”conference in Sydney, including the eligibility process which includes screening.

PAYCE Foundation Director Will Morgan speaks with Drug Court of NSW Senior Judge Jane Mottley at the NADA conference.

To be eligible to attend a rehabilitation program, menand women must demonstrate willingness to participate in a program nominated by the Court, be facing full-time imprisonment, accepted responsibility and pleaded guilty for their crimes.

Those involved in certain serious drug offences, those involved in offences of violent conduct or sexual assault are not eligible for Drug Court programs.

The program has three objectives: to reduce an offenders’ dependency on drugs, to reduce the need to resort to crime to support an addiction and to reintegrate an offender back into the community as a normal law-abiding citizen.

Judge Mottley said: “You are someone at the pointy end of the criminal justice system, you have to be drug dependent and so if you have ticked those boxes effectively what you are saying is ‘help me to recover to be a better version of myself’.”

The Drug Court program includes two rehabilitation streams for offenders: those who will be supervised while living in the community and those who are referred to a residential rehabilitation facility.

The state-of-the-art Adele House, built with funding from the PAYCE Foundation and the NSW Government and run by the Salvation Army, is one of several rehabilitation centres which collaborates with the Drug Court.

Judge Mottley also told the conference: “What they do at Adele House, and every other residential rehabilitation facility we have access to, are miracles because the transition (for clients) is a return to the community.”

“They have a great degree of resilience and esteem which is not something they were comfortable with before in terms of self-worth.

“We can work with them in terms of consolidating the next phase of their program.”

A referral to a residential rehabilitation facility can provide a better outcome for offenders where the necessary support is not available in the community.

“As I see the benefit of Adele House in terms of our participants, it definitely does address that issue that many inmates complain of, and that is, in prison 90 percent boredom, 10 per cent fear,” Judge Mottley said.

“With being involved in a program such as AdeleHouse, it does give them the life skills ready to permit that reintegration into the community.”

Adele House Manager Julian Docherty said the program was so successful because it was specifically tailored to Criminal Justice clients.

This included intensive staff training, an optimal environment and flexile program, to improve the chances of a successful rehabilitation.

“Some of these clients have come from intergenerational offending and substance abuse – going to jail can be street credibility – and then to try break away from that cycle and forget everyone you knew to start life again is hard.”

PAYCE Foundation helping young people overcome adversity

Youth mental health is one of the biggest challenges facing our society.

That’s why the PAYCE Foundation is expanding its support to one of the most effective programs in this field – Stand Tall.

The Stand Tall Event was founded in 2012 in response to the tragic level of drug use, depression, bullying, hopelessness and self-harm among high school students.

The sold out, TEDx-style event is back at the Aware Super Theatre, the International Convention Centre in Sydney on June 8.

The event for secondary students brings a host of speakers together to arm them with the skills of resilience, the strength to stand up to bullying, the keys to motivation, the power of perspective and the benefits of making wise decisions.

Alex is one of Stand Tall’s Ambassadors and continues to share his story of resilience and perseverance, whilst including others in his journey.

The PAYCE Foundation has extended its support for Stand Tall, funding another Stand Tall Ambassador, Alex Noble.

In 2018, just 16 years old, Alex was badly injured while at a rugby union training session, breaking his neck and severely damaging his spinal cord.

He was not expected to walk or have any use of his limbs.

However, showing great grit and determination he pushed through a long rehabilitation.

Since then, Alex has hit major physical and mental milestones returning to school to complete his HSC and attending music festivals.

He’s also built strength and control of his arms to be able to brush his teeth, utilise a computer, feed himself, and perform quicker and stronger transfers into his bed and wheelchair.

When not training or enjoying extreme experiences, he is also inspiring thousands of young people to overcome the hurdles they face in life.

PAYCE Foundation Director Dominic Sullivan said: “Alex is a great addition to the Stand Tall team – his story is truly inspirational.”

“He has faced the ultimate adversity as a young person; he has not only met the challenge but shown the way for so many other young people.

“The Stand Tall Event is a unique forum which gives young people a better understanding of how to face the challenges they face on a daily basis and live a full and happy life.”

“Due to unprecedented demand, registrations for this year’s live event are now sold out but registrations for the free live stream are still available via the Stand Tall website.

The replay will be available for 3 months after the event or the highlights on demand via 7 plus.  In 2022 the live stream replay was viewed by over 100,000 students across Australia.”