Commissioning homelessness services

Homelessness services commissioning 2026

Homes NSW is now working with the sector, peak bodies and other stakeholders to plan for the commissioning of the NSW homelessness service system in 2026, including Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS) and associated homelessness programs.  

Homelessness commissioning will be guided by the draft NSW Homelessness Strategy 2025-2035, which sets new directions to build the capacity of the NSW service system to prevent and respond to homelessness over the next 10 years. The 2026 and 2031 commissioning processes are important opportunities for progressing these directions. Additionally, the nearly complete Homes For NSW Plan will be an important driver of system reform over the next five years, with a range of strategic projects established under that banner.

SHS Program contracts will be commissioned to 2031 under new five-year contracts commencing 1 July 2026. Homes NSW will work with local service providers through a commissioning procurement process that is the least disruptive to allow continued service delivery.

Which programs are included in homelessness services commissioning for 2026?

Homelessness services commissioning covers the SHS Program and Homeless Youth Assistance Program (HYAP). This includes all current SHS Program contracts. It also includes former Service Support Fund (SSF) services which moved into the SHS Program in 2021.

Alongside the commissioning of the SHS Programs we are reviewing a range of associated homelessness programs that were designed as pilots. We are looking at how we can implement the key functions offered in these programs across the state in a more systematic way. More information will be available soon about the approach for these programs. 

Domestic and family violence commissioning 

The DCJ Strategy, Policy and Commissioning (SPC) Branch is commissioning Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) contracts also expiring in June 2026, in parallel with the SHS Program. The commissioning process will include the following programs:

• Specialist Workers for Children & Young People (SWCYP)
• Domestic Violence Response Enhancement (DVRE)
• Staying Home Leaving Violence (SHLV)
• Integrated Domestic & Family Violence Services (IDFVS).

The homelessness and domestic and family violence commissioning processes are being coordinated to achieve the most streamlined process possible. For more information visit the Domestic and Family Violence Commissioning 2026 webpage. 

The approach for homelessness services commissioning 2026

Homelessness services commissioning will primarily be led by engaging with existing providers about new five-year funding agreements with key outputs that can be utilised in contract management.

Homes NSW will adopt the least disruptive procurement process possible, with the aim of providing stability to the sector and preserving existing collaborative relationships, while meeting NSW Government procurement requirements.

All new contracts will be five years in duration. The NSW Government remains committed to secure jobs and funding certainty, and a new contract term of 5 years delivers on this election commitment.

There will also be some opportunities for new entrants who currently don’t receive SHS funding but have demonstrated local capability working with people experiencing homelessness, to join and  bid for targeted funding sources or to fill priority gaps. The details, including the scope and available funding will be available later in 2025.

More details will be released about commissioning and procurement processes as soon as they can be confirmed.

Next steps

DCJ intends to invite service providers to engage in contract negotiations later in 2025 and will allow plenty of time for these negotiations to be finalised before 30 June 2026. Local Commissioning and Planning Teams will be the primary contacts for all services.

Current program specifications are being reviewed as part of the commissioning process. Details of any proposed changes will be available in advance of any contract negotiation activities.

More information about commissioning

Guidance for the homelessness services commissioning 2026 process has been developed for service providers and partners – read more on our Homelessness Services Commissioning 2026 FAQ. 

More specific details about the processes for commissioning of each program will be provided soon. Current funded providers are also able to contact their local contract manager, or email [email protected] with questions.