Homelessness in the Byron Shire

Homelessness is a complex issue, but it is solvable.

We’re working with others to ensure that everyone in Byron Shire has a safe, secure and affordable place to call home.

We’ve seen a large increase in housing stress and homelessness across Byron Shire in recent years.

The 2025 Street Count conducted by Department of Communities and Justice, found Byron Shire LGA had the second highest number of people sleeping rough (291) in NSW.

Working with others we aim to:

End homelessness, starting with rough sleeping (Ending rough Sleeping Collaboration Byron Shire).
Support people in need of a home to get the support and services they need.
Take a compassionate and proactive approach to the management of public spaces.
Increase affordable housing through land and housing initiatives.

Ending Rough Sleeping Collaboration Byron Shire

Find out what we are doing to end rough sleeping in the Byron Shire.

1000 Voices Byron Shire

1000 Voices is a community project to help solve homelessness in Byron Shire.

Join us! Become a Volunteer Community Researcher and take the survey. Survey opens 28 July.

Public Space Liaison Officers

We provide support to people rough sleeping or living with homelessness by resourcing two Public Space Liaison Officer positions.

Help for people experiencing homelessness

Get contact details for emergencies, food, housing and other homelessness support services.

Affordable Housing

Learn about some of the initiatives being taken to address housing affordability in our Shire.

In the news

Council gives long-term licence for Fletcher Street cottage

Byron Shire Council has given long-term security to the Fletcher Street Cottage, a homelessness hub run by the Byron Community Centre.

Council owns the Fletcher Street Cottage in the heart of Byron Bay and since 2021 it has provided a licence to the Byron Community Centre at minimum rent so it can provide valuable support services to people experiencing homelessness.

Submission to the NSW Government Draft Homelessness Strategy

This joint submission was put together by the Ending Rough Sleeping Collaboration Backbone Team on behalf of our Local Leaders Group.

Call to reconsider closure of homeless accommodation providers

Byron Shire Council, as part of the Ending Rough Sleeping Collaboration Byron Shire (ERSCBS), is urgently calling on the Minister for Housing, Rose Jackson, to reconsider the recent closure of Temporary Accommodation providers for people experiencing homelessness in the region.

Byron Shire 2025 Street Count numbers released - more housing needed

According to the State Government’s 2025 Street Count, Byron Shire has recorded 291 people sleeping rough, the second highest number in the State after the City of Sydney.

Ending Rough Sleeping Collaboration Byron Shire selected for tour

The Ending Rough Sleeping Collaboration Byron Shire (ERSCBS) was one of 50 finalists selected from more than 200 applicants nation-wide, to take part in a National Community Roadshow and Listening Tour by PLACE (Partnerships for Local Action and Community Empowerment), last month.