Homelessness Week (4–10 August) highlights the need for secure housing. Byron Bay man Stephan Lewis, once sleeping rough due to serious illness, now has a safe home thanks to coordinated support from Social Futures and partners. His story shows how person-centred services can transform lives. Social Futures also hosted and participated in community events across the Northern Rivers during the week to raise awareness, offer support, and connect people with vital services.
Homelessness Week, held from 4 to 10 August, is a national opportunity to highlight the importance of secure housing.
When serious health issues left Byron Bay man, Stephan Lewis homeless, he faced years of fear and uncertainty sleeping rough.
“It was scary. Some nights you’d worry about where you were camping; you’d worry about other people or something happening,” he said.
Stephan’s turning point came when Social Futures’ Connecting Home program registered him for local housing, arranged emergency accommodation, and connected him to mental health and cancer care. Connecting Home is proudly funded by NSW Government.
With support from Social Futures, Fletcher Street Cottage and Northern Rivers Housing, Stephan secured permanent housing earlier this year.
For Stephan, who has a terminal cancer diagnosis, having somewhere safe to call home is critical for his wellbeing, and means his days can be lived with dignity.
“Being here, I feel relaxed. I don’t have to worry at nighttime. I’ve got neighbours who pop in, and we share meals. It feels like family,” Stephan said.
Social Futures CEO Tony Davies said Stephan’s story shows how coordinated, person-centred support rebuilds lives and strengthens communities.
“Stephan’s story shows us that with the right systems in place, lives can be transformed — and that’s what we work toward every day,” Mr Davies said.
This year’s Homelessness Week theme, Homelessness Action Now, encourages all sectors to continue driving positive outcomes to further build on the momentum created through record government investment in housing.
As at 31 May 2025 there were 66,698 households in NSW waiting for social housing Acknowledging that last year the NSW government committed $6.6 billion to social housing and that investment is still being rolled out, we urge the government to focus on accelerated delivery of public and social housing in areas that demonstrate the highest need.
Social Futures provides housing and homelessness services across Northern NSW and works closely with community partners to deliver innovative, practical solutions.
Like other high-demand regional areas, there is a critical undersupply of social housing in the Northern Rivers.
The 2025 NSW Street Count data confirmed that the Northern Rivers continues to rival Sydney in disproportionately representing almost one third of all rough sleepers in the state.
“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,” said Mr Davies.
“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 – both for bricks and mortar and specialist homelessness services – we can build on this progress, ensuring that everyone has a safe place to call home.”
Social Futures hosted and participated in community events throughout the week, in Murwillumbah, Tweed Heads and Grafton. Alongside Momentum Collective, Fred’s Place, The Family Centre, Murwillumbah Community Centre , NSW Corrective Services, Anglicare North Coast, Gurehlgam, Serco and Loving Life FM, community members gathered to show support, raise awareness of homelessness and discover information about available assistance. These events offer connection, support, and practical help for people at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
If you are homeless tonight and in need of emergency accommodation, call Link2Home on 1800 152 152, and access emergency contacts
