Ahead of winter's arrival, during the month of May the Illawarra community is being asked to donate a new pair of socks or jocks for the homeless.

Entitled 'Socks n Jocks - wear in this together', this is the initiative's second year.

Read more: This is what homelessness looks like in the Illawarra

Organiser Grace Rey launched the campaign in the Shoalhaven last year, and is expanding it to include the Illawarra in 2019.

"I'm just really passionate about this issue, and have been for a long time," she said. "It's a vital cause."

Her goal is to expand the campaign further in future years, with the hope of it eventually becoming a national effort.

She said the Shoalhaven community had shown great support for her efforts, with "thousands of items" collected last year.

However, she said there wasn't any particular goal regarding the number of items they hoped to collect in 2019.

"I am asking the community to once again help with this vital cause and show their incredible support and the same spirit that they showed last year," she said.

"I was very heartened by the response last year and I am really looking forward to this year's campaign."

Ms Rey said many people don't know how much comfort a pair of socks or new underwear can offer.

"Socks and jocks are the least donated item and to a homeless person it's a sign of warmth and keeps their feet dry.

"A loss of shelter for the homeless community means a loss of sleeping in a safe shelter and away from mud and water. Homeless people do a great deal of walking, and socks fend off diseases as well."

Ms Rey said homelessness continues to be a national crisis.

"The shortage of affordable housing (can lead to) domestic and family violence, inter-generational poverty, financial crisis and long-term unemployment which is an enormous problem in this region," she said.

"Mental illness is also another significant concern in our region which can often result in homelessness."

The donated items can be of any size, colour or gender.

Ms Rey said the plan was for the donated socks and jocks to be given to the Wollongong Homeless Hub for distribution.

This year's drop-off points include Aussie Home Loans in Dapto Mall and Aussie Home Loans at Figtree Grove.

There are also drop-off points at Gaynor Peters Property and Terry Rayner Mobile lending (located at 55 Meroo Street, Bomaderry), and ANZ bank Branch Nowra (98/100 Junction Street).

Read more: Young Illawarra couple talk about the 'ridiculous' experience of being homeless with a young daughter