A new study will seek to help determine how many people are sleeping rough in Wollongong.
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Last year, the IRT Foundation held the inaugural Wollongong Homeless Street Count.
It sought to collect data and up-to-date information about the number of people sleeping rough in the Wollongong area.
Now, the IRT Foundation is looking for community volunteers to assist with this year's Wollongong Street Count, which will be taking place early on Tuesday morning, February 18, 2020 (from 4am to 7am).
The 2020 Wollongong Homeless Street Count will be a collaboration of the Department of Communities & Justice with the support of IRT Foundation, Wollongong Homeless Hub and Wollongong City Council.
This year, Street Counts are being undertaken throughout NSW as part of the Premier's Priority to reduce homelessness initiative, with a goal to reduce street homelessness across NSW by 50 per cent by 2025.
"We did the first Street Count last year, and following the Premier's announcement of reducing street homelessness, they've begun instigating a number of counts throughout the state," IRT Foundation manager Toby Dawson said.
"Given the success of the inaugural Wollongong count, the department has embraced what we'd already delivered and are now using that exact model to roll it out more broadly."
Mr Dawson said this included utilising volunteers.
"So we're looking for anyone that's interested in volunteering in February to get in touch," he said.
"We'll continue to do the Street Count annually, so we can get a better understanding of street sleeping, but also use that knowledge to better inform policies, program delivery and ultimately support those people who need a roof over their head."
If you wish to participate as a volunteer, click here or contact irtfoundation@irt.org.au.