Vulnerable Queenslanders are being helped into long-term accommodation during the COVID-19 pandemic as a result of the Department of Housing and Public Works’ partnerships with specialist homelessness services.
Spokesperson for the Buranda Housing Service Centre, Chris Carlyon said the pandemic response had been an opportunity to work differently and increase some existing partnerships that were already in place.
Mr Carlyon said his team was working with Micah Projects and Community to ensure crisis accommodation recipients were supported and had a pathway into long-term accommodation.
“The purpose of the joint assessment is to have a conversation with the individual about their personal circumstances to understand their housing needs and their support needs,” Mr Carlyon said.
He commented on Stuart who had been homeless for six months when the pandemic was declared, saying Micah Projects helped him find crisis accommodation, and he recently had an assessment to discuss his options for finding a longer-term home.
“My interview was with Housing and Micah. They’ve given me a list of places that I can go and look at. They’ve helped me with rental grants and a bond loan,” Stuart said.
“I was living in my car and I didn’t really have hope from day to day. Now I’ve got hope that I can get into accommodation which leads me to a job which leads me to my own freedom.”
Chief Executive of Micah Projects, Karyn Walsh said the need for crisis accommodation in Brisbane had increased during the pandemic.
“While we know some of the clients, we’re also helping people who are first time homeless. They have no income and no savings,” Ms Walsh said.
“The oldest person has been 93, the youngest has been a newborn baby so it’s really all age groups across the population.”
