Digby is a Senior Policy and Research Officer with Homelessness NSW, a peak agency body that advocates the government, businesses and the wider community to improve policy and program initiatives that affect homelessness.

In this conversation, we discuss his experiences and perspectives on tackling this problem, the policy and service delivery approaches taken before and during COVID-19, as well as the broader improvements that need to be made. 

If you would like to learn more about the advocacy, research and policy work of Homelessness NSW, please visit their website where you can access their submissions, campaigns and reports. 

Timestamps:

[1:08] - Digby's career journey 

[4:55] - Changes in the social services sector

[7:55] - Advantages of grassroots community-based organisations

[10:40] - Why social housing investment is the most effective way to reduce homelessness

[13:55] - Long-term housing support and the successful Finland model

[17:29] - The importance of a housing-first approach

[22:18] - Youth foyers

[25:21] - The response of the NSW government during the pandemic

[28:48] - Social housing plans

[30:48] - Strategy to address homelessness before COVID-19

[31:33] - Legacy of the pandemic on the homelessness sector

[35:44] - Affordable housing and the tax system 

[40:08] - The work of Homelessness NSW

[43:43] - Expectations from policy submissions and the unexpected wins

[51:03] - How might university students make a difference in the homelessness sector

[53:39] - Expectations for positive change in the future

[56:13] - Lockdown listening and viewing

[57:33] - Duolingo!