A Community Housing spokesperson said in February the number of temporary accommodation processed for clients who presented as homeless in the Port Macquarie area was 60, by March it was 69, April 106 and May 110.

"The rise in numbers is due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to house homeless clients in temporary accommodation for health reasons and restrictions," the spokesperson said.

"The team locally are committed to working collaboratively with support services in the area to prioritise medium term and longer-term housing solutions for these clients."

Read more: Campaign to shine spotlight on homelessness impact

A 41-year-old man who didn't want to be named became homeless due a number of factors including losing shifts through his employment. He also has mental health issues.

The impact of the bushfires and then the situation with the COVID-19 pandemic made it hard for the man to cope financially.

He has since gained temporary accommodation in Port Macquarie through Community Housing, where he will stay for an initial period of three months.

When the man first became homeless it was at the height of the COVID-19 restrictions. He said family and friends were hesitant to have extra people stay in their houses due to the health concerns.

The man said through being homeless he gained an interesting perspective on life and said there were some positive aspects to being without a home, such as staying fit.

He was able to gain some tips from another person who was homeless at the time.

The man said it's vital to have a good jacket or other warm clothing because it can get very cold at night.

His possessions were kept in a small backpack and said at times it was hard to maintain good hygiene and find places where he could be by himself for awhile.

The man considers himself one of the lucky people after gaining temporary accommodation. He is seeking help from services to improve his mental health and is also receiving jobseeker payments.

The man hopes to secure part time work so he can maintain a stable income.

Community Housing is Australia's largest not-for-profit community housing provider and recently received over $1.6 million in funding.

This will go towards the transition of 24 rough sleepers into long-term affordable housing in areas including Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Kempsey and Nambucca Heads.

Managing director of the organisation, Steve Bevington said the funding couldn't have come at a more crucial time and is a significant step in the right direction towards breaking the cycle of systematic homelessness in the region.

"It is encouraging to see the NSW government consistently prioritising funding in this area where it's so desperately needed, providing a new lease of life to those who have fallen into difficulties due to issues such as unemployment, family breakdown, illness and then have ended up sleeping rough," Mr Bevington said.

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