Specialist homelessness services across the Territory are to be expanded to provide secure, long-term accommodation to people who need it most.
Chief Minister, Andrew Barr said the ACT had committed $18 million over four years in the Parliamentary Agreement to expand the capacity of specialist homelessness services and meet the complex needs of people within the community.
Mr Barr said funding allocated in the 2020-2021 Budget would go toward expanding the Early Morning Centre to a seven day per week service; increasing emergency support and accommodation funding to OneLink; ACT Shelter to provide systemic advocacy in the housing sector; and Mackillop House and Winter Lodge services that were established in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Minister for Homelessness and Housing Services, Rebecca Vassarotti said secure housing that met people’s needs was fundamental to their wellbeing, and the wellbeing of the community as a whole.
“As we’ve seen through the fires, the pandemic and the economic crises of the past year, unemployment, financial pressure and homelessness can strike suddenly,” Ms Vassarotti said.
“The ACT’s homelessness and housing services help to ensure all Canberrans, no matter what difficulties they’re facing, can be safe, healthy and feel a part of this community,” she said.
Ms Vassarotti said the services receiving extra funding in the coming Budget would support people at all ages and stages of life with fundamentals like food, showers, healthcare and clothing as well as social connection and safe and appropriate housing.
