One of South Australia’s preeminent homelessness experts has welcomed the collaborative approach of the state’s bold new homelessness alliance structure, aimed at getting better long-term outcomes for our most vulnerable.
In opinion piece published in The Advertiser today, former Anglicare SA Chief Executive and AAEH board member Rev’d Canon Peter Sandeman writes about the tragedy of street homelessness across the nation.
Mr Sandeman said “part of the problem is that navigating the silos between different parts of homelessness, health and human services is just too hard.”
“Now, the new Homeless Alliance model offers a better opportunity to meet the challenges of people living on the street as well as the wider homeless populations,” writes Mr Sandeman.
“Jointly funded homeless services is the first step towards well-coordinated access to housing and care for homeless people.
“Better coordination of housing and care will save and change the lives of homeless people. This is the yet to be fulfilled potential of the new Homelessness Alliances.”
Rev’d Sandeman’s words are echoed by one of the world’s leading homelessness experts and Great Britain’s Homelessness Tsar Dame Louise Casey.
Dame Casey wrote: “I have been following the great progress you have made and the evolution of your strategy in South Australia. So just wanted to say congratulations on the announcement of the SA Homelessness Alliances.”
Minister for Human Services Michelle Lensink said: “Reform is never easy.”
“We unashamedly want better, long-term outcomes for our most vulnerable South Australians and it’s fantastic to see the new alliances working collaboratively together to support our collective aim,” said Minister Lensink.
Office of Homelessness Sector Integration head Ian Cox said the new alliances had mobilized quickly and worked collaboratively during the state’s most recent lockdown to support people experiencing homelessness.
“Our new alliances have worked collaboratively within and across their regions sharing information and resources so they can achieve the best outcomes for clients,” said Mr Cox.
“This has been a really positive start for the alliances, and we thank them along with all other existing homelessness services as they continue to work tougher to drive better outcomes for our most vulnerable.”
Under the new alliance system, total homelessness funding has increased to $72.4m in 2021-22, up from $65.5m in 2017-18.
