The ACT Government is providing an additional $2.6 million so that Canberrans in need can access crisis accommodation and support services, including people with high and complex needs and those escaping domestic and family violence.
The funding will provide continued support for Canberrans at risk of or experiencing homelessness by providing crisis accommodation and wrap around supports for their personal circumstances, including help to transition into longer-term accommodation.
The additional funding will enable accommodation and client support initiatives to continue through to 30 June 2023. Demand for homelessness services and the type of demand continues to evolve, including more families than individuals seeking crisis accommodation.
The task of providing suitable long-term housing remains difficult, with persistent homelessness presenting as an ongoing issue.
The Government continues to work with the ACT homelessness sector as part of a strategic partnership to plan for the future of homelessness service delivery and contract arrangements post 30 June 2023.
“The economic and community impacts flowing from the global pandemic continues to create significant and increased demand for housing and homelessness services in the ACT along with a rise of complex needs among people accessing these services,” said Minister Vassarotti.
“The additional funding ensures continuity of these crisis accommodation services for those most in need while the government works toward a new homelessness service delivery system that is flexible, responsive, and culturally appropriate to new and emerging needs. In this, we are working to achieve our shared aspiration that everyone has a decent home and to ensure that homelessness is rare, brief and non-reoccurring”.
“The additional funding ensures continuity of these services while the government works toward a new homelessness service delivery system that is flexible, responsive, and culturally appropriate to new and emerging needs.”
As stated by Jenny Kitchen, CEO of Woden Community Services
“Woden Community Service welcomes the government’s announcement of additional funding for accommodation and client support programs for people experiencing homelessness. This funding provides significant support for Canberra’s homelessness services as they continue to help those who reach out in times of crisis. Many are women and children escaping family and domestic violence, or families facing imminent homelessness.”
