Keeping youth in Joondalup connected

The Minister for Community Services, John Cobb, today visited Joondalup Youth Support Service to see first hand the outstanding support they provide for young people in need of secure housing.

‘The Australian Government views homelessness as a very serious issue and works closely with community organisations to improve services and establish ways to assist homeless people to break the cycle,’ Mr Cobb said.

‘Joondalup Youth Support Service receives more than $426 000 in funding each year under the joint Commonwealth/State Supported Accommodation Assistance Program (SAAP), to provide crisis and transitional accommodation for young people facing homelessness.

‘This funding enables Joondalup Youth Support Service to provide high quality services to ensure safe, secure and affordable accommodation and related support services to young people and their families to help them stabilise their current situations and actively plan for future suitable accommodation.

‘Approximately $932 million in Government funding will be contributed over five years to the SAAP, responding to the needs of homeless people and those at risk of homelessness around Australia.

‘The Australian Government is committed to supporting young people through the challenging times they may face and today’s visit has given me insight into the valuable work undertaken by Joondalup Youth Support Service,’ Mr Cobb said

SAAP is jointly funded by the Australian Government and the state and territory governments and is Australia’s primary response to homelessness. The Western Australian Department of Community Development administers the SAAP agreement between the Australian and Western Australian Governments.