Further Help For Launceston Families at Risk of Homelessness

The Minister for Family and Community Services, Senator Kay Patterson, today launched the Household Organisational Management Expenses (HOME) Advice Program, in Launceston.

Senator Patterson said the allocation of $645,000 in funding to the program would provide information, support and early intervention services for families at risk of homelessness in Launceston.

“The grant for Launceston is part of the Australian Government’s HOME Advice Program national funding of $10.4 million for the next four years, which will help families at risk of homelessness,” Senator Patterson said.

Formerly known as the Family Homelessness Prevention Pilot, the program has been extended for the next four years and renamed as the HOME Advice Program.

“The national interim evaluation of the program, conducted by RPR Consulting, recently found that 78 per cent of families had improved outcomes in their finances, health, family relationships, employment, education and/or community participation.”

“HOME will allow Anglicare and Centrelink to continue to help families stabilise their housing and financial circumstances.

“It will also assist families with access to community services, education support, services for children, labour market programs, health services and parenting skills programs.

“We know Anglicare has done some great work with local families here in Launceston. The results for the pilot program overall have been very strong and Anglicare has been a part of that success.

“Families at risk of homelessness often have high levels of personal debt, rely on emergency relief assistance and move between temporary forms of accommodation.

“The Australian Government is committed to helping families gain the stability provided by a secure home environment,” Senator Patterson said.