Mayor Ryan Palmer said signing the pledge is an important first step in playing its part in taking action to reduce homelessness.

The latest 2016 Census figures, released by the ABS in March, show homelessness rates are on the rise, up 12% in the Hunter since the last Census.

Mayor Palmer said Port Stephens Council proudly supports a number of initiatives that help to prevent homelessness.

“This year, Port Stephens Council will continue to assist organisations and programs that support and prevent homelessness, including the life-changing works undertaken by Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Services, Yacaaba Centre, Salvation Army and other fantastic support services.

“Information about services available in Port Stephens can be found on Council's Community Directory on our website,” Mayor Palmer said.

The pledge is an initiative of the region’s Big Ideas Homelessness Network.

Chair of the Network, Professor David Adamson from Compass Housing, congratulated Port Stephens Council for joining the global movement to end homelessness. Professor Adamson said homelessness has become the clearest expression of inequality and poverty in Australia. He said eradicating poverty cannot be achieved without eradicating homelessness.

“Homelessness in the Hunter is not an intractable problem – it can be solved if the whole community is supportive,” Prof Adamson said.

Every business, agency and resident, has a stake in preventing homelessness and supporting people who experience homelessness,” he said.

He said the pledge has been used effectively in other cities overseas including in Canada, the USA, Wales and Scotland.

Organisations or local residents wishing to sign the Pledge should visit https://bigideashomelessnessnetwork.org/the-pledge

The Newcastle and Hunter Big Ideas Homelessness Network is a collaborative steering group made up of representatives from the community and agencies who have an interest in ending homelessness. It is facilitated by Compass Housing and meet quarterly to share information, ideas and resources.