The government says the new support system will create stable, long-term housing for needy young Gold Coast families. Image: Queensland Department of Housing and Public Works.
The Crisafulli Queensland Government has created a new support system for vulnerable young families who are receiving treatment at the Gold Coast University Hospital and are either experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
The Housing and Support Link Service can support about 30 young families at a time, including pregnant women aged 16-25, who are particularly at risk.
The government’s Securing our Housing Foundations plan intends to provide for the 54,000 people on the social housing waitlist by building more homes.
Minister for Housing, Public Works and Youth Sam O’Connor said the government was investing almost $600 million in new funding for homelessness support services and crisis accommodation to keep Queenslanders in long-term housing.
“This new service provides stability when it’s needed most for young Gold Coast families who are doing it tough,” Mr O’Connor said.
”No young family should face the fear of homelessness while dealing with the stress of a hospital stay. This service delivers young parents immediate, practical support to secure a safe home and keep it long term.
“Interventions for pregnant young women and young families facing homelessness help with their immediate wellbeing and reduce the impacts of homelessness for their children.”
The government said the plan was a coordinated approach that put vulnerable families first, ensuring they received support when they needed it most.
In partnership with the Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service, Wesley Mission Queensland will operate the new service, integrating housing assistance with healthcare to reduce stress on families, prevent homelessness and improve wellbeing.
A dedicated onsite team will assist young families with their housing issues, providing wraparound services and tenancy support, ensuring that they are safely housed in suitable, long-term accommodation.
The government hopes this stability means services can better plan for the future, hire more workers and deliver long-term support, rather than operating on a year-to-year basis.
“This is exactly the kind of coordinated, compassionate support our families deserve,” Member for Southport Rob Molhoek said.
“Embedding housing help inside the hospital system means young parents won’t be left without options. It gives them a real chance at a safer, more secure future.”
