More funding to assist the homeless

The Australian Government is providing more than $3.2 million to fund seven new projects to trial and evaluate new ways of assisting people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, Minister for Community Services, Senator Nigel Scullion said today.

Senator Scullion announced the successful recipients of the second round of National Homelessness Strategy Demonstration Projects funding, while officially opening the Homelessness Research Seminar in Melbourne today.

‘Today’s funding announcement is part of the $10 million allocated in 2005 to the NHS over four years which will help guide and shape the Government’s approach to preventing and reducing homelessness,’ Senator Scullion said.

‘Demonstration funding of up to $500,000 is available for each project. One of the projects being funded this round is the Gabarri Bidygarrme – Helping Everyone Project, which will assist Indigenous individuals and families in the Kakadu region by providing access to suitable supports, education and training to prevent homelessness.

‘Another service provider receiving funding is the Homeless and Education Consortium with Hanover Welfare Services acting as lead agency in Melbourne. The funding will allow Hanover to deliver the Improving education and housing outcomes for children experiencing homelessness project, aimed at helping the children of homeless families with case managed support and housing.

‘Preliminary feedback from projects funded in the previous round is encouraging, and will assist in identifying practical ways to minimise the adverse impacts of homelessness.

‘As homelessness is such a complex issue, the Demonstration Projects identify best practice models, which can be promoted and replicated, and raises awareness of the issue of homelessness throughout all areas and levels of government and in the community.

‘The Australian Government is exploring new and innovative ways to help people vulnerable to homelessness. It is important to get assistance to people earlier and to provide support for the many issues surrounding homelessness, not just the need for shelter, and these early intervention models work towards improving the situation for people at risk of homelessness,’ Senator Scullion said.

Successful recipients of the second round of national homelessness strategy demonstration projects funding

Mareeba Shire Council
Location: Mareeba, Queensland
Project: Mobile Response to Rural and Remote Homelessness.

Youth Off The Streets
Location:Walgett, New South Wales
Project: Our Place, Walgett Youth and Young Families project.

Agencies for South West Accommodation
Location: Bunbury, Western Australia
Project: Home Assist

Aboriginal Family Support Services
Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Project: Moving On

Kakadu Health Service
Location: Jabiru, Northern Territory
Project: Helping Everyone

Catholic Healthcare
Location: Sydney, New South Wales
Project: Home but not Alone

Homeless and Education Consortium, with Hanover Welfare Services acting as Lead Agency
Location: Melbourne,
Project: Improving education and housing outcomes for children experiencing homelessness project.