Launch of A Place to Call Home in Tasmania

Federal , Tanya Plibersek and Tasmanian Minister for Human Services, Lin Thorp, today launched the A Place To Call Home program in Tasmania, a joint $20 million Commonwealth-State initiative to reduce homelessness.

“A Place to Call Home is a $150 million down payment on the Rudd Government’s commitment to reduce homelessness,” Ms Plibersek said.

“Here in Tasmania, the Australian Government contribution of $5 million will help to build a new supported accommodation facility, based on the Common Ground housing model.

“Common Ground builds a unique partnership between government on all levels, business and the non-government sector to create a strong foundation for moving people off the streets.”

Ms Thorp said that the State Government would contribute around $15 million over 20 years to theAPlace to Call Home program in Tasmania.

“The Tasmanian Government’s 20-year funding plan for A Place to Call Home demonstrates our long-term commitment to reducing homelessness,” Ms Thorp said.

“We are exploring options for a suitable site for the Common Ground facility, which will provide new dwellings as part of our strategic, long-term approach to this issue.

“The new dwellings will be allocated to people experiencing homelessness and to low income earners requiring affordable housing including older Australians, students and low income workers.

“The facility will provide tailored on-site support services, including health, education and employment support, and residents will be supported to achieve stable housing and end the cycle of homelessness.”

Ms Plibersek said that across Australia the A Place to Call Home program will deliver at least 600 new dwellings for individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

“This is an immediate response to the complex problem of homelessness – helping ensure people can get the support they need to break the cycle of homelessness and establish a stable home.”

“A Place to Call Home is a $150 million down payment on the Rudd Government’s commitment to reduce homelessness,” Ms Plibersek said.

“Here in Tasmania, the Australian Government contribution of $5 million will help to build a new supported accommodation facility, based on the Common Ground housing model.

“Common Ground builds a unique partnership between government on all levels, business and the non-government sector to create a strong foundation for moving people off the streets.”

Ms Thorp said that the State Government would contribute around $15 million over 20 years to the A Place to Call Home program in Tasmania.

“The Tasmanian Government’s 20-year funding plan for A Place to Call Home demonstrates our long-term commitment to reducing homelessness,” Ms Thorp said.

“We are exploring options for a suitable site for the Common Ground facility, which will provide new dwellings as part of our strategic, long-term approach to this issue.

“The new dwellings will be allocated to people experiencing homelessness and to low income earners requiring affordable housing including older Australians, students and low income workers.

“The facility will provide tailored on-site support services, including health, education and employment support, and residents will be supported to achieve stable housing and end the cycle of homelessness.”

Ms Plibersek said that across Australia the A Place to Call Home program will deliver at least 600 new dwellings for individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

“This is an immediate response to the complex problem of homelessness – helping ensure people can get the support they need to break the cycle of homelessness and establish a stable home.”