Crisis accommodation pilot model to assist victim-survivors experiencing domestic and family violence (DFV).
The Palaszczuk Government has allocated $8 million to develop and pilot a new service delivery model, Housing Connectors, to integrate support for victim-survivors experiencing, or at risk of homelessness because of DFV.
The pilot program includes a total of nine specialist workers, working in teams of three, that will be embedded at three South East Queensland locations – Toowoomba, Brisbane and Moreton Bay.
These regions have been chosen following consultation with the Department of Housing on data indicating unmet demand in the area and local sector capacity.
The Housing Connectors will work with the victim-survivors in a one-on-one capacity to manage their safety and assist them to navigate the housing and human services systems, while helping to locate suitable and sustainable housing and support referrals.
The Housing Connector teams will be embedded within DFV services and work with government and local agencies to assist victim-survivors to maintain or establish housing, including transitioning any existing supports or services to a new location if required.
Each Housing Connector role will have access to brokerage funds, as part of an integrated service response and will be a vital resource for victim-survivors.
In addition, funding will also be made available to DFV services across Queensland under a new DFV Rental Assist Brokerage Grant that will provide up to $2.55m across the state.
The grant will be available to existing funded organisations and could be used to cover rental arrears or other costs where debts present an imminent risk of homelessness, or a barrier to successfully entering the private rental market.
Grants will be available up to $50,000 for DFV services from across the state.
Organisations will be able to apply through Smartygrants when the round opens in the coming weeks.
The Housing Connectors initiative is part of the FDSV Responses 2021-27 National Partnership Agreement (NPA). The initiative will be reviewed in 2024 to examine outcomes and shape any future policy and planning.
Quotes attributable to the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Yvette D’Ath:
“When women and families flee a violent situation, they typically leave with just the clothes on their back.
“Safe and secure housing is key to rebuilding their lives – that’s why we are launching this pilot program.
“This program will provide invaluable hands-on support for victim-survivors to assist them to find a housing outcome as well as support referrals to other services.
“We are absolutely committed to ensuring the safety of Queensland women and families, and I’m pleased to see the rollout of this new program in the regions that need it most.”
Quotes attributable to Housing Minister, Meaghan Scanlon:
“Safety for women and families escaping domestic violence includes having a place to call home.
“Navigating the system to find a home can be an especially daunting task, which is where the program steps in to give victim-survivors specialist support.
“We recently purchased a hotel in Brisbane which is now emergency accommodation for many families fleeing domestic violence, adding to our dedicated social housing and homelessness assistance.
“This pilot is another program that will bolster the support for victim-survivors when it comes to housing and starting that next chapter in their lives.”
