A new homeless service that simplifies access to crisis and prevention services will begin in South Australia today.
Homeless Connect SA is a single hotline for anyone needing homelessness support, including youth services – and replaces the Homelessness Gateway.
It forms part of the Marshall Liberal Government’s homelessness system reforms, which aim to prevent people from falling into homelessness, ensure people get the right support they need and get people off the streets and into safe and stable long-term housing.
“People experiencing homelessness have told us the current system is difficult and confusing to navigate and does not achieve real, long-term outcomes,” said Minister for Human Services Michelle Lensink.
“That’s why we’re undertaking much-needed and long overdue reform in lock-step with homelessness providers and while we do this, we’re listening to people with lived experience – and organisations on the ground.
“From today, any South Australian who needs crisis and prevention services and now call one hotline. Youth and homeless services previously had separate contact numbers – and this was confusing for some customers.
“Support is available just a phone call away – and South Australians needing support can call Homeless Connect SA on 1800 003 308 for crisis and prevention services, including providing help to young people aged 18 to 25.”
The new service alliance between Uniting Communities and SYC is designed to provide customers with a clear access point to information and assistance.
It will also work closely with the new RentRight SA service, (formerly the Housing Advocacy, Advice and Engagement service), run by SYC and also commencing operation from today.
People experiencing homelessness because of domestic and family violence can continue to call the 24/7 DV Crisis line on 1800 800 098.
