An initiative of the Big Ideas Homelessness Network, the pledge is designed to raise awareness, link organisations and begin the process of further action. 

The Australian Bureau of Statistics released homeless figures drawn from census data in March, which showed 1747 were deemed homeless in the Hunter in 2016 – up from 1559 in 2011. 

Councils, members of parliament and non-government organisations met at Newcastle City Hall on Friday to sign-off on their pledge to tackle and end the issue. 

Cessnock mayor Bob Pynsent was among those who signed the pledge, and congratulated the Big Ideas Homelessness Network for leading the initiative.

“It was great to see such a strong response from councils across the region and stand beside them to make a pledge to work towards ending homelessness,” Cr Pynsent said.

“Each of us has a role to play and Cessnock City Council is committed to getting involved in positive initiatives that help the more vulnerable people in our community.”

Others organisations that signed the pledge included Newcastle, Maitland, Singleton and Lake Macquarie councils, Hunter Water, Beyond Bank, Compass Housing Services and Samaritans. 

Compass Housing knowledge manager David Adamson said having the founding signatories commit to action will help stimulate further activity. 

“This is the launch of something and we’ll be moving it forward with as many signatories as we possibly can,” he said. 

“The more people who sign up to it, the greater strength it’s got. 

“The wonderful thing about something like this is people start talking to each other. They start sharing solutions and you get those connections made. Suddenly an idea pops up and you’ve got something on the ground.” 

The pledge initiative has been used effectively in cities overseas including in Canada, the USA, Wales and Scotland. 

Every year, signatories will be asked to renew their pledge and report on what action they have taken to reduce homelessness.