What is Homelessness?

Homelessness is:

• When you are living on the streets
• Have run away from home
• Have no permanent place to stay

Why do some people find themselves Homeless?

There are lots of reasons why some people don't have a place to stay. Sometimes when there are problems at home like abuse or alcohol and you may not feel safe living there anymore.

What to do if you have no place to stay

• Let you friends or other family members know that you don't feel safe at home anymore. They may let you stay with them for a while.
• Call the numbers below and they will help you find a place to stay.

Homeless Persons Information Centre

The Homeless Persons Information Centre help homeless people who are over 18 by providing:

• immediate advice and information
• referral to crisis accommodation
• referral to support services

It is open from 9:00am to 10:00pm Monday to Sunday.

In Sydney, ring 02 9265 9087 Elsewhere in NSW, call 1800 234 566.

Youth Accommodation Association

The Youth Accommodation Association provides a recorded list of hostel and refuge vacancies in NSW. This service is for 12-18 year olds who need a place to stay.

If you are in Sydney, phone the Youth Emergency Accommodation Line on 93181531 as they have a recorded listing of hostels or refuge vacancies in Sydney and NSW where you can stay. If you need to speak to someone about getting emergency accommodation call The Youth Accommodation Association Office on 96985822. In rural NSW call 1800424830.

Can the Gunjies pick me up if I am hanging out on the streets?

If you are under 18 and don't have a place to stay and are living or hanging out on the streets, the Gunjies can pick you up if they think that you are:

• In need of care and protection
• You are not under the supervision or control of a responsible adult
• Are living in or going to a public place heaps

If you are picked up by the Gunjies they CANNOT hold you in police cells. They should either take you home or place you in the care of DOCS. If you are placed in the care of DOCS you should speak to a lawyer as soon as possible so you know your legal rights.

If you need accommodation information call:

Homeless Persons Information Centre

NSW - 1800 234 566

Sydney - 02 9265 9087

Youth Accommodation Association

NSW - 1800 424 830

Sydney - 02 9318 1531

If you need legal advice call:

Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women's Legal Centre

1. 686 587 (02) 9569 3847

Legal Aid Hotline for under 18's

1. 101 810

Aboriginal Legal Service

1. 9318 2122

Disclaimer: The information contained on this Fact Sheet is only meant as a guide and cannot replace legal advice. If you have a legal problem you should speak to a lawyer for some legal advice. Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women's Legal Centre excludes liability for any loss suffered by any person which results from the use or reliance upon the information contained on this Fact Sheet.