Intensive support for families in NSW at risk of homelessness

The Rudd Government is delivering almost $3.5 million in additional emergency relief until 2011 to help families in New South Wales who are at risk of homelessness because they cannot pay their rent or mortgage.

The Samaritans Foundation, Anglicare Sydney and the Salvation Army will share in the funding to provide emergency relief projects in 11 locations across the state.

The Minister for Families, Housing and Community Services, Jenny Macklin, and the Member for Lindsay, David Bradbury, today announced the additional funding during a visit to Anglicare in Penrith.

Anglicare is receiving more than $320,000 under this package to provide additional services to families in Penrith, the Blue Mountains and the Hawkesbury regions.

‘Families under pressure often turn to emergency relief organisations for help with their immediate needs such as food and clothing, pharmacy and transport vouchers, and rent and utility bills,’ Ms Macklin said.

‘This new funding will build on that first contact and help these organisations provide more intensive support and connect people to other services to prevent their current crisis becoming entrenched.

‘Caseworkers will work with families over an extended period to help with budgeting and provide assistance from financial counsellors, housing and employment services to address underlying issues.’

Mr Bradbury said the funding would help local families under rental stress to better manage their finances and get help before they hit rock bottom.

‘Vulnerable families can often slip through the cracks and miss out on the services they need,’ Mr Bradbury said.

‘Through the project here in Penrith we will be able to reach out to families on the verge of homelessness, work with them closely and help them get back on their feet. Assistance will be provided to families to avoid the immediate threat of eviction, to pay bonds, connect utilities and help with re-location costs.’

‘This will help give families and children a stable environment, keeping them connected with their schools and other family and community support networks.’

From March 2009 to June 2011, the Australian Government is providing $80.4 million additional funding to emergency relief and financial counselling services in recognition of the impact of the global economic downturn.

This funding boost brings the total Australian Government emergency relief funding for NSW to more than $38 million for 2009-11.