Wollongong cuts homeless support services as funding runs dry
The Wollongong Homeless Hub closed its Fairy Meadow branch two days per week from July due to lack of funding.
Wollongong Homeless Hub has slashed support services because it does not have enough money. From July, the Fairy Meadow drop-in centre stopped opening two days a week.
The hub's CEO Mandy Booker called it a distressing decision. In the Illawarra, about 160 people stay in temporary accommodation each night.
Every year, 500 locals needing help are turned away from housing. The Fairy Meadow service only opened in February 2024, offering showers, food and support.
Booker said the pressure on the sector is intense and staff face dire choices about where to offer help. Two homes owned by Homes NSW were also destroyed by fire this week, putting further strain on an already stretched system.
Despite the challenges, Booker said the community's support keeps the hub focused on its mission.
- 160 people
- Temporary accommodation nightly
- 500 locals
- Turned away from housing yearly
- July 2026
- Service closure start date
- February 2024
- Branch opened
Why it mattersReduced hours mean more homeless people cannot access basic support like showers and food when they need it most.
AustraliaPeople experiencing homelessness in Wollongong and surrounding towns have fewer days each week to access shelter, meals and assistance.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 12 h ago
