There are concerns Hamilton's homeless aren't educated about a new safety bylaw.

The bylaw which makes sleeping in a public place, begging and nuisance behaviour an offence comes into effect today.

Hamilton Homeless Trust spokeswoman Alvina Edwards is worried rough sleepers will have no idea the bylaw exists.

She says there's a spectrum of people who are illiterate, or vision impaired or have no letter box to receive the city news.