THE Ballarat Foundation is dedicating thousands of dollars from the organisation’s Ballarat Innovation Grant program to help combat homelessness over the next three years.<\/p>\n
The charity will be donating $150,000 with $50,000 going towards the Community Care Centre Ballarat, and the remainder to the Ballarat Zero Project.<\/p>\n
“The Ballarat Foundation has recognised through our Vital Signs project that too many community members are homeless or at risk of homelessness,” said Ballarat Foundation chair Wayne Weaire.<\/p>\n
“We see these grants as an important and significant contribution to collaborative responses to this issue.<\/p>\n
“The Ballarat Foundation will be working closely with the successful organisations to grow the impact of these project over the next<\/p>\n
three years.”<\/p>\n
The Ballarat Zero Project, initiated by the Central Highlands Homelessness Alliance, is a three-year trial project aimed at getting those experiencing homelessness off the streets.<\/p>\n
Supported by the Australian Alliance to End Homelessness, the project will track homelessness reduction in the region through to August, 2027, with the ultimate goal of achieving “functional zero” homelessness.<\/p>\n
The Community Care Centre Ballarat assists vulnerable people and families with household items such as furnishing and electrical appliances.<\/p>\n
The service is aimed at helping those in urgent situations due to trauma or loss or who aren’t able to afford basic living essentials.<\/p>\n
Central Highlands Homelessness Alliance chair Jerry Ham said the donations will assist with the project’s success.<\/p>\n
“Obtaining the grant is a significant milestone to getting a Ballarat Advance to Zero project underway,” he said.<\/p>\n
“The Ballarat Zero Pilot, the latest in a broadening network of Advance to Zero projects across the state, will create a ‘by name list’ and work with all stakeholders to reduce rough sleeping within Ballarat CBD.<\/p>\n
“The grant will impact the ability to bring a targeted response to rough sleeping, improving outcomes for those experiencing homelessness and the wider community.”<\/p>\n
Community Care Centre Ballarat acting chair Warren Payne also welcomed the funding.<\/p>\n
“This grant will enable us to take the next step in our journey, expanding our ability to assist those in need across Ballarat and district,” he said.<\/p>\n
“With this funding, we can invest in essential resources, like staffing for our warehouse, allowing us to connect with more people and provide a streamlined service to the community.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE Ballarat Foundation is dedicating thousands of dollars from the organisation’s Ballarat Innovation Grant program to help combat homelessness over the next three years. The charity will be donating $150,000 with $50,000 going towards the Community Care Centre Ballarat, and the remainder to the Ballarat Zero Project. “The Ballarat Foundation has recognised through our Vital […]<\/p>\n