Person-centred support connecting communities

BYRON Bay man Stephan Lewis was homeless and seriously ill when he faced an uncertain future sleeping rough in the Northern Rivers.

“It was scary,” Lewis said.

“Some nights you’d worry about where you were camping; you’d worry about other people or something happening.”

The Social Futures’ Connecting Home program came to his aid, registering him for local housing, organising emergency accommodation, and mental health and cancer care.

With a terminal diagnosis and now in permanent housing, having somewhere safe to call home is critical for his wellbeing, and allows Lewis to live with dignity.

“Being here, I feel relaxed, and I don’t have to worry at nighttime,” he said.

“I’ve got neighbours who pop in, and we share meals. It feels like family.”

Social Futures CEO Tony Davies said Lewis’s story showed how coordinated, person-centred support rebuilt lives and strengthened communities.

“With the right systems in place, lives can be transformed,” Davies said.

The Northern Rivers continues to rival Sydney in disproportionately representing almost one-third of all rough sleepers in the state, according to the 2025 NSW Street Count.

“We’ve seen welcome, unprecedented investment into social and affordable housing from both state and federal governments, which is starting to make a difference, but building homes takes time,” Davies said.

“Even with these efforts, demand continues to outstrip supply and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. By continuing to work together and committing adequate resources, we can build on this progress, ensuring that everyone has a safe place to call home.”

Two free events, one at Nullum House in Murwillumbah on August 5 and the other at Jack Evans Park in Tweed Heads on August 7, aim to bring the community together to show support, raise awareness, and provide information.

The Homelessness Week (August 4-10) events include a BBQ lunch, live music, free haircuts and activities.

People at risk of homelessness can contact Connecting Home on 1800 048 310 or Link2Home on 1800 152 152.