New Horizons launches Kempsey outreach van to support people experiencing homelessness

New Horizons has proudly launched a new outreach van in Kempsey, bringing homelessness support services directly to the people who need them most.

The assertive outreach van is designed to meet people where they’re at. Fully voluntary, it’s equipped with essentials including basic first aid supplies, tents, clothing, and hydration, so the team can respond to people’s needs no matter the weather. The van also allows staff to conduct initial assessments and onboarding on the spot.

“It’s a voluntary program, so just seeing the van, represents to community that ‘the SST (Supporting and Securing Tenancies) team are coming to us,'” said Krystal Donovan, First Nations Ambassador at New Horizons.

For many people experiencing homelessness, visibility and consistency matter. According to Krystal, having a branded, recognisable vehicle helps build trust with people who may otherwise remain hidden due to their vulnerabilities.

“People know we turn up at the same time every week. We’re trusted, and it’s a front-door service. It’s about not waiting for a person to be in crisis to walk into an office.”

The outreach service also plays a connector role, linking people with other supports they may need.

“We’re a linker, so if we observe that something is medically not right, we coordinate with a GP or mental health service, and we do warm introductions to other service providers of their choice,” Krystal said.

The van has only been operating for a couple of weeks, but has already regularly visited several hotspot locations across the region, with plans to expand further in the future, including reaching more remote towns.

“These regional towns don’t have a bus that comes every five minutes. We’re bringing a front-door service to them, and supporting their housing requirements.”

Consistency remains at the heart of the program, ensuring people know the outreach team will keep showing up reliably, and without judgement.

Related Stories