As COVID cases continue to surge across the state, NSW Health advice suggests isolating at home, however this isn't a viable option for many of the most vulnerable according to Anglicare NSW South, NSW West and ACT.
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Danea Cowell, disability and housing services manager at Anglicare NSW South, NSW West and ACT (Anglicare), says for those suffering homelessness, the rising COVID cases is a significant cause for fear.
"Isolating would be very difficult for the homeless," Ms Cowell said. "There are very few options available for them."
"By having cramped houses and people moving between houses in a couch-surfing arrangement, the risk of getting and spreading COVID increases," Ms Cowell said. "It's the same with camping."
"COVID disproportionately effects the vulnerable in society."
Ms Cowell is concerned having COVID rampant in the community could cause increased cases of homelessness.
"Having to isolate could put some people back into homelessness," she said. "If you're couch surfing in someone's loungeroom and need to isolate, they're going to want you out. You might have no where else to go."
Anglicare is struggling to meet the demand for temporary accommodation in the area.
Last year, Anglicare received extra funding from HousingNSW - the government agency providing public housing - towards finding temporary accommodation for those in need. However that funding has now stopped.
"There was already a shortage of housing in the area, then we had the fires and floods and influx of builders for the infrastructure construction," she said.
"There's less temporary accommodation for us to access.
"We don't have housing we can provide.
"If we can't access any temporary accommodation down here, we work with HousingNSW and see if they can provide anything. It would be out of area - it could be Nowra, or Goulburn, but certainly out of the Eurobodalla.
"That means moving away from your support network, from your community and friends."
Anglicare provides food relief and clothing through Thread Together for those in the region in need of support.
They are considered an essential service and so remained open throughout 2021.
The prevalence of COVID-19 in the community, combined with a small team running the charity, increases the risk staff will be exposed to the virus or be classified as close contacts.
Ms Cowell is concerned the office will have to close it's doors if staff become sick or are exposed to the virus.
"We've always been available for the people," she said.
James Tugwell
James Tugwell is a reporter for Australian Community Media in Batemans Bay. james.tugwell@austcommunitymedia.com.au 0447 189 738
James Tugwell is a reporter for Australian Community Media in Batemans Bay. james.tugwell@austcommunitymedia.com.au 0447 189 738
