Temporary Accommodation

What is Temporary Accommodation?

Temporary Accommodation is short-term accommodation in low-cost motels or caravan parks for people who are homeless. It is provided by Homes NSW and some community housing providers.

It helps supplement Specialist Homelessness Services by giving people with a chance to find other accommodation, such as crisis accommodation, share accommodation or a private rental.

How long can I stay in Temporary Accommodation?

The number of days offered depends on your circumstances and housing need.

There is no entitlement to a specific number of days. Most people find other accommodation in a short time so will be offered Temporary Accommodation for a few days and then extended if needed.

What do I need to do while I’m in Temporary Accommodation?

While you’re in Temporary Accommodation there are some things that you need to do. If you don’t do these things, you may not be offered more Temporary Accommodation.

This includes:

• abide by the accommodation’s rules
• contribute to the cost of the accommodation (TA Contribution), except if you are escaping domestic and family violence. You will need to make this contribution before any extension of the Temporary Accommodation is granted
• let us know if you have left and are not returning to Temporary Accommodation
• leave the accommodation in good order
• make contact with your support providers
• assist with the completion of a Support Plan to help you find long-term stable accommodation.

You also need to find other suitable accommodation. This might be a short-term option like a place at a Specialist Homelessness Service or boarding house, or a longer-term option like sharing or renting a place.

We help with this by putting together a plan with you. You need to go into or call your housing provider’s office to talk about your Temporary Accommodation and housing needs within the following timeframes:

• within three nights of your initial Temporary Accommodation commencing; or
• within two nights of your extended Temporary Accommodation commencing.

You don’t need to pack up any of your belongings or check out of Temporary Accommodation when you come to see us about this.

So that we can look at all the different housing options that might help you, you also need to fill out some forms:

• if you have an active housing application, you need to complete a Change of Circumstances form within two weeks of talking to the housing office. We can help you with this.
• if you don’t have an active housing application, you need to complete an online Application for Housing Assistance form within two weeks of talking to the housing office. We can help you with this.

What happens when I find somewhere else to stay?

You need to let us know as soon as you find somewhere else to stay. We won’t extend your Temporary Accommodation and it will be offered to another person who needs it. Let us know if you need any other help.

What other help is there?

We might be able to help you with a Bond Loan and Advance Rent when you sign a lease.

We can also refer you to support services, and encourage you to engage with them to get as much help as you can.

When will I not be offered Temporary Accommodation?

Temporary Accommodation or an extension of Temporary Accommodation will not be offered if you:

• didn’t do the things we needed you to do while you were Temporary Accommodation within the past six months
• damaged property or displayed antisocial behaviour while being helped with Temporary Accommodation within the past six months
• refused an offer of alternative reasonable accommodation within the past twelve months.

Is there more information or someone to talk to about Temporary Accommodation?

• find information by going online at www.facs.nsw.gov.au
• talk to someone over the phone by calling 1800 422 322
• talk to someone in person by going to a housing provider’s office.