Funding needed to address homeless crisis

Ahead of the Federal and State Government budget announcements, homeless advocacy groups have called on both levels of government to invest more heavily in homelessness services.

Over 200 of the nation’s leading charities and homelessness services signed an open letter to the Federal Government last week, asking it to “plug a $65 million funding black hole” they say will see more than 650 homelessness support workers cut, while demand for homelessness assistance is soaring.

This funding would cover the Equal Remuneration Order (ERO), which has been funded since 2012 to cover wage costs for homelessness services. Current funding expires this June.

The joint letter from Homelessness Australia, National Shelter, the Community Housing Industry Association and ACOSS has been signed by 230 organisations concerned at the devastating impact on vulnerable people.

Over the past two years rents have risen 28 per cent while incomes have increased by only 5 per cent.

“Demand for homelessness services is surging,” Kate Colvin, CEO of Homelessness Australia, said.

“Families with full time breadwinners can’t find a rental and are living in tents. Homelessness services are turning away women and children fleeing violence who desperately need help because they simply don’t have enough workers to respond.

“It is untenable that in the midst of our worst ever housing crisis the Government is planning to cut funding, and reduce help to people without a home.”

In Victoria specifically, the Council to Homeless Persons has written to the State Government to invest $47.5 million in the upcoming budget, to go towards the From Homelessness to Home (H2H) program.

A further $224.4 million over the next four years would guarantee H2H – which ends long term rough sleeping and homelessness – and Homes For Families continue their incredible track record of supporting around 2000 households.

Like the Federal funding, H2H’s funding isn’t guaranteed beyond June – making a commitment from the State Government in the coming months crucial.

“It’s absolutely crucial that this program continues. The results of H2H are truly remarkable,” Council to Homeless Persons Chief Executive Jenny Smith said.

“Given the results, we need a relatively modest investment of just $47.5 million to continue H2H’s work next year, and $224.4 million over four years to continue and extend its fabulous outcomes. We’ve seen people’s lives turned around because of this program. Improved mental health, produced better employment outcomes and kept families together.”