Services and Support in the Blue Mountains

The solution to homelessness is clear and well evidenced – a home provides safety and stability with which to rebuild life. Affordable housing and the right support to get life back on track will end homelessness.

A number of services are funded by the NSW State government to provide accommodation and support to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. 

Wimlah Women’s Refuge (part of West Connect Domestic Violence Services) Provides crisis accommodation to women escaping Domestic Violence who need immediate, safe accommodation and support.  Women are housed in self-contained units, with a common-room and a children’s areas.
Phone: 02 4732 2318

Platform Youth Services Youth Crisis Support: Food and Accommodation; and Personal and Family support for people aged 12 – 25. 
Website: platformys.org.au
Phone: 02 4760 0800

Thrive Family Support Services provides tenancy, housing & homelessness support (in partnership with Mission Australia) to Blue Mountains families with children aged 16 years or under. Thrive also provides referral & advice and practical assistance of emergency food cards, fresh donated food, personal care items, etc. (dependent on availability) through our drop-in service.
Website: thriveservices.org.au
Phone: 02 4782 1555

Wentworth Community Housing Housing and Homelessness Service: Supports single adults or couples without accompanying children to find a home and to connect with health, income and other supports. Assistance is provided with Social Housing applications, with finding private rentals and several homes are available for up to 12 months. Wentworth is continuing their full service during the pandemic, including at the Penrith office and visiting people who are sleeping rough.
Website: wentworth.org.au
Phone: 02 4777 8000.

Other Services 

Many church groups, charities, and local community organisations operate volunteer services that provide meals, showers and other assistance for people who are living in poverty, including people who are homeless.

Church based, charities and local community organisations

Lower Mountains

Winmalee Neighbourhood Centre (weekdays)

• Free Fresh Food: available to anyone who drops in 
• Food: parcels – pre packed 
• Food: vouchers: Coles/Woolworths
• Vouchers: for chemist and clothing 
• Financial assistance Telstra, water, electricity and gas bills 
• No interest loans 
• Bushfire recovery 

Lower Mountains Neighbourhood Centre (drop in Fridays 9am-1pm)

• Food vouchers 
• Food Hampers
• Information and referral
• Free wifi
• Space to sit and have a cuppa 
• Free Community access to computers

Gateway Family Services (Tuesdays and Thursdays)

• Food vouchers 
• IGA pantry items (packaged and processed Food:, bread and vegetables)
• Vouchers for utility bills (prefer telephone call before coming)

Springwood Neighbourhood Centre (Monday to Thursday 10am-1pm) 

• ‘Food: cupboard’ non perishable Food: available 
• Emergency Food: parcels available 

Platform (young people) 

• Assertive Outreach 
• Toiletries 
• Non perishable Food: items available 
• Warm clothes 

Mid Mountains

Mid Mountains Neighbourhood Centre (open Thursdays 9am-1pm)

• Food: Hampers
• Information and referral
• Free wifi
• Space to sit and have a cuppa 
• Free Community access to computers 
• Showers

Platform (young people) 

• Assertive Outreach 
• Toiletries 
• Non perishable Food: items available 
• Warm clothes

Upper Mountains

Earth Recovery Australia (partners with the Uniting Church) at Junction 142

• laundry and bathroom facilities available for homeless people
• food parcels and frozen meals
• free clothing, toiletries, Blankets, Sleeping Bags and other essential items for homeless patrons.  

Salvation Army  

• Financial assistance 
• More substantial Food: hampers

Blackheath Area Neighbourhood Centre (opening hours are Tuesday to Friday, 9.30am-12.30pm. available on the phone every week day during business hours. Phone: 0411 546 284)

• Food available 
• vouchers: for Food:, firewood and petrol. 
• technical help with phones, tablets, laptops etc.
• free Wifi and computer use during opening hours

Thrive Services (opening drop in Monday Wednesdays and Fridays 10am-4pm) (Best to call first) 

• Utilities assistance (water, gas, electricity, Telstra) 
• Food: vouchers: 
• Limited non perishable emergency Food: and toiletries

Platform (young people) 

• Assertive Outreach 
• Toiletries 
• Non perishable Food: items available 
• Warm clothes 

Katoomba Neighbourhood Centre 

• Food: Hampers
• Information and referral
• Free wifi
• Space to sit and have a cuppa

St Hildas Church _ Anglicare (Tuesday and Thursday 10am-1pm)

• Food and financial assistance available 

Blue Mountains Women’s Health and Resource Centre

• Counselling
• Health Services; and 
• Support in establishing a home for women escaping Domestic Violence.