A new mobile outreach program from the Department of Communities and Justice has been introduced to assist people sleeping rough by arranging greater access to housing supports and services.
Welcoming the move, Minister for Families and Communities, Natasha Maclaren-Jones said the new program would ensure regional communities were supported into stable accommodation.
“This funding will ensure there are dedicated staff on the ground ready to help people living in regional communities to apply for housing,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.
“Housing stability plays a significant role in keeping families together and these regional outreach teams will provide people with the tools to make decisions for a chance at a better future,” she said.
“By intervening early and providing people with the support they need, we can engage them with the right services to significantly reduce their risk of homelessness.”
Mrs Maclaren-Jones said the outreach program would be launched in the Murrumbidgee, Far West and Western NSW regions and was expected to reach 35-50 people in each town.
She said it would serve as a mobile office travelling through regional areas, bringing information on services such as Rent Choice and Bond Loans, as well as access to housing supports.
“The mobile outreach will also connect with existing service providers in those areas, such as specialist homelessness services, to build stronger relationships,” the Minister said.
