Most of the people we support are referred to us by other organisations, like the Department of Communities and Justice, or they have made contact with us through our head office or Community Centre. To discuss accessing our specialist homelessness services, get in touch.

To refer yourself or someone else into this program please fill in this form.

Coast Shelter is a Community Housing Provider and operates specialist homelessness services offering short to medium-term housing. We also provide short term (28 days) housing for women and families escaping domestic and family violence. We do not provide permanent housing options, however, we offer help and support for people to find a safe place to call home.

Coast Shelter also assists with accessing long term housing in a private rental through our Life Ready program.

Coast Shelter charges a small fee for board/lodging at our refuges, depending on individual circumstances. Our specialist homelessness and Community Centre services, including meals and access to health and personal capacity building programs, are free of charge. Coast Shelter social enterprise programs operate on a fee-for-service basis and reinvest income into training, employment, and life skills activities for participants. We are grateful for the ongoing generous support from funding bodies, corporate partners, and our community. 

Yes. The Community Centre runs a number of programs for people who are currently homeless or who are at risk of becoming homeless. If you are concerned about your situation and looking for support or information, come to the Community Centre in Gosford and find out more about how we can help you. If you have any questions, call us.

Coast Shelter takes privacy seriously. Though we do collect personal information as part of our intake processes, we are committed to ensuring we handle this information with absolute discretion and we only share information with your permission or where we are required to do so by law. Our mandatory reporting requirements are explained in detail during our intake process. 

Our mission is to end homelessness and domestic and family violence on the NSW Central Coast, but we cannot do any of this without your support. You can support Coast Shelter in a number of ways, including volunteering at our Community Centre Restaurant or driver mentor program for young people, following Coast Shelter through social media, by becoming a regular financial giver, by including Coast Shelter in your will, fundraising through an event, and by donating now.

Find out more about how you can support us here or donate now. 

The causes of homelessness can be numerous, sudden, and affect people from all stages of life. Poverty, unemployment, mental illness, domestic violence and a shortage of affordable housing are common contributing factors leading to homelessness. Coast Shelter provides a safe environment for people to access services and support to help get their life back on track.

Homelessness NSW is the peak body for homelessness services in NSW, including Coast Shelter. They advocate on behalf of a range of organisations across NSW and publish policy and research work seeking solutions and an end homelessness in NSW. Find out more at www.homelessnessnsw.org.au.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call emergency services on 000. 

For support with domestic and family violence, the Domestic Violence Helpline can link you to medical or legal support, counselling, emergency accommodation, and can help you develop a safe exit strategy. 

Call the Domestic Violence Helpline 24/7 on 1800 65 64 63.

Domestic Violence NSW (DVNSW) is the peak body for domestic violence services in NSW. As a member of DVNSW, Coast Shelter works with them to advocate for changes in policy, rapid response, interventions and education to eliminate domestic and family violence. Find out more about domestic and family violence at www.dvnsw.org.au.

Yes. Central Coast Council has information on homelessness and hardship services and supports in the region on their website. Click here to find out more.

We can also help you find other services to meet your personal situation. Contact us.

At Coast Shelter, we proudly serve individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. To ensure inclusive access, we offer interpreter services through the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National).

To get immediate assistance from a translator, call TIS National directly on 131 450. Otherwise, please contact us on (02) 4325 3540 and someone at Coast Shelter can organise an interpreter for you.

Do you need an AUSLAN interpreter? Contact – Deaf Connect | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care