If you are worried about someone sleeping rough in NSW, call Link2home on 1800 152 152, the statewide homelessness information and referral line, available 24 hours. Beyond that, the most useful things you can do are practical: warm items, food, outreach volunteering, or funding the services already doing the work.
If you are concerned about someone right now
- Link2home, 1800 152 152. Available 24 hours for homelessness information, assessment and referral across NSW.
- In an emergency, call 000. If someone appears unwell, in danger, or at risk in extreme weather, treat it as you would any medical emergency.
- Ask first. A simple “are you okay, do you need anything” respects that the person is best placed to say what they need.
Winter is genuinely dangerous
Sydney winters do not look severe from indoors, and that is precisely the problem. Overnight temperatures combined with rain and wind create real risk of hypothermia for someone without shelter. Wet bedding is worse than no bedding, because it draws heat away from the body.
This is why waterproof jackets and dry sleeping bags matter more than an extra jumper.
Practical ways to help
- Join an outreach run. Our Clothe the Homeless team distributes clothing and sleeping bags monthly at Martin Place.
- Donate the right items. New socks and underwear, shoes, warm layers and sleeping bags. See what to donate first.
- Fund essentials. Money lets services buy exactly what is short, in the right sizes.
- Offer something warm. A coffee or a hot meal on a cold morning is small and real.
- Treat people as people. Being ignored all day is its own hardship. Eye contact and a greeting cost nothing.
Should you give money directly?
People disagree on this, and both positions are reasonable. Giving directly respects a person’s autonomy to meet their own needs. Giving through a service means your contribution is pooled into bulk-purchased essentials and coordinated support. Neither is wrong. What is not helpful is using uncertainty as a reason to do nothing at all.
Helping before it happens
Homes NSW identifies a lack of affordable housing and cost of living pressure as the leading drivers of homelessness, which means prevention matters as much as response. Our Family Support Program helps families hold onto a functioning home during a crisis, which is often what stops a bad month becoming a lost tenancy.
Frequently asked questions
Who do I call if I am worried about someone sleeping rough in NSW?
Call Link2home on 1800 152 152, the statewide homelessness information and referral line, available 24 hours. In an emergency, call 000.
What should I give someone sleeping rough?
Warm waterproof layers, dry socks, a sleeping bag, food or a hot drink. Dry and weatherproof matters more than simply warm, since wet bedding actively draws heat from the body.
Should I give money to someone begging?
Views differ and both are defensible. Giving directly respects the person’s autonomy, while giving through a service pools funds into bulk essentials and coordinated support.
How can I volunteer to help homeless people in Sydney?
House of Sadaqa runs monthly Clothe the Homeless outreach at Martin Place. Register through our volunteer page and we will let you know when the next run is on.
Is it safe to approach someone sleeping rough?
Generally yes, if you are respectful and keep a comfortable distance. Ask before assuming what someone needs, and do not wake someone who is asleep unless you believe they are in danger.
Support the work behind this article
House of Sadaqa is a registered Australian charity helping local families in crisis with household essentials, whitegoods and emergency relief. There are three direct ways to be part of it:
- Donate, with donations over $2 tax-deductible
- Volunteer your time in the warehouse, on outreach runs, or at events
- Clear a NSW fine through a Work and Development Order
You can also support us without donating a cent, simply by choosing one of our social enterprises. Each one puts its profits back into supporting families:
- Goodwill Connect, NBN internet for Greater Sydney
- Panda Paper, premium bamboo toilet paper delivered to your door
- The Goodwill Laundry, self-serve laundry in Bankstown
- The Goodwill Shop, our op-shops in Revesby and Bankstown