At SGCH we’re sharing insights between colleagues, to help us learn from one another and build a more consolidated “brains trust” across the organisation. One of the ways we’re doing this is with our “Let’s Talk About…” conversation series.

This week, it’s been about homelessness. From finding people somewhere to sleep, to helping young people live independently, the second session offered a firsthand look at the challenging yet rewarding work our people are doing in this space, every day.

Some of the big questions we explored were: What does it really take to help someone experiencing homelessness? And, what more could we be doing?

Hosted by two of our people Claudia Chow and Shane Sutton, the session featured team members from our Pathways Team: Olivia Murray-Jones, John Khatouki, Zach Barker and Megan Tonkin.

On the frontline

Olivia, is Housing Pathways Lead in Metro North East.

Her team of 10 supports people arriving at our St Leonards office with nowhere to sleep that night. They arrange temporary accommodation, connect people with support services and help them work towards longer-term housing.

At times, they’ve supported up to 80 people at a time, all experiencing homelessness.

“It’s demanding work” she says. “We’re often helping people who are also dealing with mental health challenges, addiction, domestic violence or trauma.

“Progress isn’t always straightforward. People have good days and bad days, and sometimes need second, third or even fourth chances.”

John, who works in outreach, is often contacted by councils and specialist homelessness services to help when local residents are concerned about people sleeping rough in their areas.

“I go out on site and chat with them to see what their situation is,” he says. “I offer assistance and explain to them what accommodation options are available..

“Sometimes people accept help. Sometimes they don’t.

“But even making that first connection matters. Someone who’s sleeping on the street might not be ready to do something differently today. But making contact, showing someone cares, and ensuring they know where to turn when they’re ready, is a step forward.”

John and Olivia also spoke about the importance of the SGCH team looking after each other, describing how colleagues regularly check in and how they debrief after difficult experiences.

“We are all here for one another” says Olivia. “It’s really important having this support network within the team.”

More than a place to stay

Zach Barker, Sustainable Tenancies Lead, talked about St George Community Housing’s youth transitional housing programs, which include Port Jackson and Foyer Central in Chippendale.

Foyer Central, which supports those leaving out-of-home care (foster care), was a particular highlight. Run in partnership with Uniting and Social Ventures Australia, it’s home to 53 residents aged between 18 and22.

These programs give young people more than somewhere to live. With the help of specialist partners, they’re given opportunities to develop practical life skills, rebuild confidence and prepare for independent living.

The conversation also sparked discussion about what we could do next. Zach and Alice talked about the Housing Innovation Fund (HIF) and its potential to help expand supported temporary and transitional housing.

With a clear shortage of medium-term housing options, particularly in northern Sydney, they made a strong case for pursuing future opportunities.

Helping people stay housed

Megan Tonkin, also a Sustainable Tenancies Lead, spent 12 years working in specialist homelessness services before joining SGCH. She spoke passionately about preventing people from becoming homeless again.

For her, it’s about getting to know people’s circumstances, recognising when someone needs extra support and finding ways to help before a tenancy breaks down.

“Success isn’t just fixing a tenancy issue today” she says. “It’s helping someone build the stability and confidence to move forward.”

Wrap Up

What came through most clearly was that our people care deeply about the work they do.

“Let’s Talk About…” is fast becoming a powerful forum for insight sharing across our organisation which is vital when people are located across the city and even interstate.

This session was a reminder of the compassion and persistence our colleagues bring to some incredibly difficult situations and the difference they make through working together.

It also began to show how our new purpose, vision and values – “We Care, We Create, We Connect” – are at the core of the work we do. A safe home is the starting point, but helping people feel supported, connected and able to build a better future is what makes the difference.

That’s what we are here for, and why our new strategy is anchored in creating belonging.

To reach more about our new strategy go here.