$4.1 million to address homelessness in Australia

The Minister for Community Services, John Cobb, today called for services working towards preventing and reducing homelessness in the community to apply for a share in $4.1 million in Australian Government funding.

Mr Cobb said under the National Homelessness Strategy, eligible services can apply for funding for Demonstration Projects or Communication Activities.

‘Services are encouraged to apply for Demonstration Project funding of up to $500,000, available from July 2007 to June 2009, to trial and evaluate new ways of assisting people who are vulnerable to homelessness,’ Mr Cobb said.

‘Funding of up to $40,000 for Communication Activities is also available in 2007 for small scale, one off initiatives, which share knowledge, raise awareness and promote best practice models for preventing and responding to homelessness.

‘Earlier this year, I announced $3.2 million for eight services to undertake projects to help respond to issues facing people at risk of becoming homeless and this round of funding will deliver more support and services to those in need.

‘It is important all levels of government and services work together to develop new and innovative ways to help individuals and families who are at risk of becoming homeless.

‘The Australia Government encourages services to share information on how they are working to prevent and respond to homelessness as this goes toward achieving significant improvements to the lives of people at risk of homelessness,’ Mr Cobb said.

Expressions of Interest for Demonstration Projects close on Friday 13 October 2006.

Expressions of Interest for Communication Activities can be submitted at any time, subject to the availability of funding.

For more information on the National Homelessness Strategy or to obtain an application for funding visit the FaHCSIA website.