There are increasing concerns about the number of homeless people on the coast and highlands having to live under bridges, buildings and in caves

It is national homeless week and a  conference in Kiama has been told things are so bad only half the number of people living on the streets  can be accommodated.

Chairperson of Homeless Australia NARELLE CLAY says more long term funding is needed from state and federal governments.

The  head of one of the region's leading churches says bureaucratic red tape is one reason for the increasing  people "  living rough " under bridges and buildings and even in caves.

St Vincent De Paul's accommodation centre for homeless men in Nowra is full every night, with concerns a planned expansion will not even be able to cope with demand.

Pastor Peter Pilt from the Nowra City Church says New evidence has emerged of people sleeping in the dirt  each night under the dilapidated Nowra School Annex and in other locations