Unhoused – Voices from the Threshold is a podcast that explores issues around homelessness and housing in the Bega Valley NSW.

Over 6 episodes we will be speaking with young people from 16 into their 20s, mature single women, families struggling to find affordable housing, bushfire affected households, people from our Indigenous communities, single men, elderly people and those seeking housing for outside workers.

We will find out what it’s like to sleep in your car, to cook without a kitchen, to wash your hair and clean your teeth without a bathroom, to sleep with fear of discovery, to live in extreme overcrowding, to face an unsure future, and to be ignored.

We will explore what comes after one does reach out for help, what is available, for how long, and how long the wait periods might be. How many houses are there available in the Bega Valley, are more homes being built, and by whom? Does short term rental accommodation affect the availability of long term rental accommodation? And why are rents so high?

In later episodes we explore some of the strategies and programs being put in place, find out who is building homes in the Bega Valley and how many, and what the future looks like for our community.

We also explore the attitudes and awareness that exist in the Bega Valley, and what people feel is needed to assist those working in this area and to alleviate the situation.

Note some names have been changed but the stories are all true.

This podcast has been produced by the Bega Valley Shire Library Service in collaboration with Sapphire Stories, a local story-telling platform. It has been made possible with funds achieved through the NSW Premier’s Department’s Social Cohesion Grant for Local Government, as obtained by the Bega Valley Shire Council.

If you need help or know someone who does, here are some local support organisations and links:

SEWACS (South East Women & Children Services): https://sewacs.org.au/about/

MISSION AUSTRALIA: https://www.missionaustralia.com.au/servicedirectory/211-homelessness/homelessness-housing-support-bega-valley

LINK2HOME: Link2home is a 24/7 statewide telephone service in New South Wales (NSW) that provides information, assessment, and referrals for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The service is available on 1800 152 152 and is free to call.

SAPPHIRE NEIGHBOURHOOD SERVICES: Non-housing support for children & young people under 18 years. Parents & families. https://sapphireneighbourhoodservices.org.au/

BRIGHTER FUTURES: Brighter Futures is a support program for families with young children who are encountering challenges that can impact on the care of the children. Make contact through BVSC 6499 2222

HEADSPACE: Headspace Bega is a free, youth-friendly and confidential service for young people aged 12 – 25 years

Phone: 1800 959 844

WELLWAYS: Housing and Accommodation Support Initiative (HASI) 1300 111 400

If you have a story to share, pleases contact us by email: sapphirecoaststories@gmail.com

All contact is confidential.

Sources of information in podcast:

*https://housing.id.com.au/bega-valley/affordable-housing-need/

Australian Bureau of Statistics:

• High Numbers:

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) estimates that over 122,000 people were experiencing homelessness on Census night in 2021.

• Increasing Trend:

The rate of homelessness increased to 4...