Safe Places grants now open

The Morrison Government is today calling for organisations to apply for $60 million worth of grants to expand emergency accommodation across Australia under our record commitment to keep women and children safe.

Assistant Minister for Community Housing, Homelessness and Community Services Luke Howarth said the funding would deliver up to 450 additional safe places for women and children experiencing domestic and family violence.

“Unfortunately we know that domestic violence is the leading cause of homelessness for women. Specialist Homelessness Services reported supporting more than 121,000 clients who experienced domestic violence during 2017-18,” Assistant Minister Howarth said.

“We hope this increase in emergency accommodation will help at least 6,500 women and children each year across remote, regional and metropolitan Australia.

“Applicants who bring forward additional investment will be prioritised as this will mean even more safe places can be provided to women and children.”

The grants will help organisations construct, repurpose, renovate or purchase new buildings to create additional safe places.

The $78 million safe places package forms part of the $340 million Morrison Government investment in the Fourth Action Plan of the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010-2022.

Included in the package is $18 million in dedicated funding to continue implementing the Keeping Women Safe in Their Homes program. This program provides security upgrades and safety planning so women and children at risk of, or experiencing domestic and family violence can remain in their own home, if it is safe to do so.

Applications for Safe Places grant funding are now open to eligible organisations. Visit the GrantConnect website for more information.