Homelessness and housing insecurity will be two of the big-ticket items in the upcoming NSW budget as part of a bid to shrink the social housing waitlist by increasing supply.

The Minns Labor government will hand down its first budget in a matter of days, pledging to tackle the state’s housing crisis head on.

A $224 million essential housing package will be allocated to strengthen the safety net for those experiencing housing insecurity and provide additional support services.

Funding will extend access to temporary accommodation and provide a boost to the state’s specialist homelessness services.

The package will include $70 million to accelerate social and affordable home builds, $35.3 million for housing services for Indigenous people and families and $35 million for maintenance to existing social housing.

‘Important first step’

It will also reserve $20 million for dedicated mental health housing, $15 million to boost homelessness services and $11 million in emergency funding for temporary accommodation.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said the budget package was designed to help break the cycles of homelessness.

“This is an important first step as we better support people in some of the most vulnerable situations,” he said.

“We have a housing crisis in New South Wales, and we are working across the government to address the challenges.”

-with AAP