Queenslanders in Far North Queensland have been provided pathways out of homelessness with funding from round three of the $2.5 million Dignity First Fund.
An activity hub is being built at Mossman to provide people impacted by homelessness with a safe and supportive environment after receiving $153,702 funding through the third round of the Queensland Government’s $2.5 million Dignity First Fund.
The purpose of the Fund is to seek new and innovative ideas from non-government providers that aim to prevent and reduce homelessness and assist people experiencing homelessness to live with dignity.
Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said the Hub was one of three projects funded in Far North Queensland at a total of more than $288,000.
“The Dignity First Fund provides for people who really need it, when they really need it,” Ms Lui said.
“A little money and a lot of heart can make a real difference and that is certainly true in this case – the investment has enabled a Hub to be built containing a commercial kitchen, activity room, quiet area and access to a shower, toilet and laundry area.”
Manager of the Douglas Shire Community Services Association, Ms Christine Woods, said the Hub will serve as an entry point for people to connect them with services provided by the adjacent Neighbourhood Centre.
“The significance of this funding is immeasurable, this Hub will be a crucial first step to ending a person’s homelessness,” Ms Woods said.
“The Hub will enable us to welcome people as they walk through the door and quickly understand their most immediate needs.
“It will allow us to direct them to further services aimed at helping them develop short-term goals and action steps to achieving long-term self-sufficiency.
“This includes building financial management and life skills which will help improve their general wellbeing.
Minister for Housing and Public works Mick de Brenni said Dignity First Funding was established in 2016 to provide localised, people centric support, and was essential to providing Queenslanders with housing security.
“Labor believes that having a safe, secure, sustainable place to call home, is essential to holding down a job,” Mr de Brenni said.
“There are many different reasons why a someone my find it difficult to get into or hold down a tenancy, and the Palaszczuk Government is making sure we have wrap around services to suit every need.”
“We are providing funding for a range of important projects – mobile outreach services, food trucks, community kitchen upgrades, drop-in centres and backpacks containing essential supplies, to name a few.”
The 19/20 Palaszczuk Government Budget commits a further $40 million to homelessness support, bringing the total funding for homelessness in Queensland to $180 million.
