Minister Barr: Budget initiatives target homelessness services
- Written by ACT Government
Released 20/06/2023 - Joint media release
The ACT Government will deliver a $20 million funding package through the 2023/24 ACT Budget so that Canberrans in need can access homelessness services.
The ACT Government is committed to working closely with its community organisations to reduce homelessness and a range of funding measures will address identified service gaps.
The measures will not only meet those in our community who are most at need, but the organisations who provide them with the services required.
Funding in the 2023-24 ACT Budget includes:
- $14.3 million over four years, to increase the capacity of existing homelessness services providers
- $2.3 million over two years for Ainslie Lodge, MacKillop House, Axial Housing and the Early Morning Centre to meet continued increase in demand
- $1.7 million in 2023-24 to continue funding the Rough Sleeper Program and Complex Client program and funding for the Client Support Fund
- $1.2 million in 2023-24 for hotel brokerage coordinated by OneLink and Domestic Violence Crisis Service
- $389,000 in 2023-24 to increase capacity of food services
- 256,000 in 2023-24 for sector development and training.
These initiatives are in addition to ongoing funding for the sector.
Quotes attributable to Chief Minister Andrew Barr
We are committed to supporting all Canberrans - acknowledging the range of factors that might lead to individuals and families needing to access homelessness services support.
This funding will help support the important partnerships with organisations who help Canberrans most in need.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Homelessness and Housing Services
Homelessness is a destabilising and devastating experience for any Canberran to go through. We know that it has life-long impacts and ongoing costs if people are not provided with rapid and appropriate assistance.
Amid the worst housing crisis we’ve seen in generations, specialist homelessness services are on the front line, ensuring that people have somewhere safe to sleep and can access a decent home. We know there are more people in need than ever before, and the complexity of need is increasing. We need to ensure these services have the funding and support they need to respond to Canberrans who need our help.
This budget investment will ensure that services are able to continue their vital work, and represents the continuation of a significant increase in the baseline funding provided to these crucial services.
- Statement ends -
Andrew Barr, MLA | Rebecca Vassarotti, MLA | Media Releases
