26 September 2023

Helping hand extended to homeless

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The Department of Housing and Public Works is to receive $24.7 million in funding to assist Queenslanders experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 health crisis.

Announced by the Minister for Housing, Mick de Brenni, the funding is to support an eight-point housing and homelessness plan to ensure that vulnerable Queenslanders receive the services they need during the public health emergency.

“Coronavirus is having a huge impact on everyone in our community, but especially vulnerable Queenslanders that are experiencing homelessness,” Mr de Brenni said.

“Queensland’s 169 homelessness providers are on the front line every day and this package provides immediate support to respond to emerging challenges arising from the spread of Coronavirus in Queensland.”

He said the Government was working to ensure nobody was left out in the cold at this unprecedented time.

“Queensland’s housing support package will deliver safe accommodation for vulnerable and homeless Queenslanders needing to self-isolate; brokerage funds for specialist homelessness services to provide crisis accommodation, and increased outreach capacity for homelessness service providers,” the Minister said.

“There will be funding to cover replacement staff; money for the cleaning of shelters and for the purchase of cleaning equipment and PPE; an enhancement of the Home Assist Secure program to provide support for older Queenslanders and people with a disability who need essential supplies and services; and an expansion of access to private market support products for people who face economic hardship from Coronavirus,” he said.

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