Homelessness services recognised for outstanding work

Seven community organisations from across Australia were today recognised for their outstanding work to prevent and tackle homelessness as recipients of National Homelessness Services Achievement Awards.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Mark Butler and Parliamentary Secretary for Homelessness and Social Housing, Melissa Parke today congratulated the Award recipients and finalists for their extraordinary work in helping people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

“We congratulate all nominees, finalists and award recipients, whose commitment, innovation and creativity are helping to break the cycle of homelessness,” Mr Butler said.

“Every day, these organisations and their staff work to support some of Australia’s most vulnerable people to find the right pathway out of homelessness.

“Selecting just seven winners from a field of 23 finalists was extremely difficult, highlighting just how hard Australians are working to prevent and tackle homelessness.

“These services help people find affordable and sustainable housing, get through financial crises, manage health issues, address substance misuse, develop skills, and find work.

Mr Butler said the holistic and innovative approaches used by these homelessness services are making a real difference to people’s lives.

“These services help a range of people, including young people, Indigenous Australians, people escaping domestic violence and older Australians,” Mr Butler said.

Ms Parke said that while the last Census showed a 13 per cent drop in the number of people sleeping rough or in improvised dwellings, far too many Australians still do not have a place to call home every night.

“This Government has made tackling homelessness a national priority, and is committed to halving the overall rate of homelessness by 2020,” Ms Parke said.

“Being homeless or facing homelessness can make it enormously difficult to do any of the ordinary things in life like hold down a job, get an education, or plan for the future.

“But thanks to the commitment of these organisations and the diverse support they provide, thousands of people in Australia have someone to turn to when they need it most.

“This year’s Awards shine a light on the tremendous work these compassionate and dedicated service providers do for some of our community’s most vulnerable people.

“I thank all those who have nominated a service or organisation in the 2013 National Homelessness Services Achievement Awards, and congratulate all the nominees, finalists and Award recipients for their achievements.”

For more information go to www.fahcsia.gov.au/homelessnessawards

2013 National Homelessness Services Achievement Award Recipients

Excellence or innovation in addressing homelessness by an organisation – Journey to Social Inclusion project through Sacred Heart Mission, VIC.

Excellence in the prevention of, or early intervention in, homelessness – Samaritans Brokerage Support Service through the Samaritans Foundation, NSW.

Outstanding business or philanthropic commitment to addressing homelessness – Making Ends Meet program through Anglicare WA.

Excellence or innovation in partnerships in delivering services – Homelessness to Home Healthcare program through Micah Projects, Mater Health Services, St Vincent’s Health Care, Greater Metro South Brisbane Medicare Local and Metro North Medicare Local, QLD.

Excellence in addressing Indigenous homelessness – Watch House-Pick Up and Case Management project through Larrakia Nation Aboriginal Corporation, NT.

Excellence in supporting pathways to employment or education – WorkNext Services Education and Employment Program through Catherine House Inc, SA.

Excellence in addressing homelessness in a regional, rural or remote location – Community Accommodation & Support Agency Inc (CASA), QLD.