In line with this year’s theme of “Homelessness Action Now”, the event raised awareness of the impacts of homelessness and the solutions needed to address the issue at a national, state and local level.

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“Coffs Harbour’s rough sleeper count rose by nearly 80 percent in the past year,” Pete’s Place Team Leader Gai Newman told the News Of The Area.

Local services are overwhelmed.

Between Pete’s Place, an unfunded Vinnies service, and a drop-in hub, 120 people are seeking help every day.

This includes everyone from babies to the elderly.

Ms Newman said the leading reasons for people seeking assistance were domestic and family violence (31%), the housing crisis or affordability stress (25%) and financial difficulty (10%).

The Australian Government is being urged to fund a pipeline of at least 25,000 social and affordable homes every year.

“It’s not an easy life. People experiencing homelessness live an average of three decades less than the general population.

“We need ‘Homelessness Action Now’ to ensure that everyone has a safe place to call home.”

ABC Coffs Coast Radio broadcast live from the event, which was attended by around 150 people.

Many signed the Everybody’s Home petition and participated in Wellness Yarns with Mununjali woman Rhiannon Mitchell from Saltwater Sistas.

By Andrea FERRARI