The success of support programs for people facing homelessness during the current COVID-19 pandemic is to be one of the key highlights of this week’s national Homelessness Week.
Minister for Housing and Suburban Development, Yvette Berry said the 2020 Homelessness Week was a chance to acknowledge the collaborative work between the Territory and specialist homelessness sector that supported those most in need, during a difficult year.
“In response to COVID-19, the ACT Government announced a $3 million funding package to support Canberrans and their families who may be experiencing or at risk of homelessness, or experiencing domestic and family violence,” Ms Berry said.
“As a result of this funding, the government and sector have been able to establish and expand programs such as the Winter Lodge, Axial Housing Program and MacKillop House, that provide accommodation and support services for men, women (with or without children) and families,” she said.
Ms Berry said that as of 19 July, 25 women had been accommodated at MacKillop House since it opened on 2 June; 22 clients had been permanently housed through the Axial Housing Program; 79 men had been accommodated at the Winter Lodge since it opened on 11 May; and 38 clients had been supported by the OneLink Client Support Fund since it commenced on 11 May.
“These new programs not only provide housing options, but offer the necessary supports needed to build skills in maintaining independent living, such as mental health services, drug and alcohol supports, as well as financial and domestic violence counselling,” she said.
Homelessness Week finishes on Friday (7 August).