The ACT government will spend more than $830,000 to accommodate Canberra’s rough sleepers during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Barr government has also committed $550,000 to boost support to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault during the crisis.
A further $1 million has been pledged to help community service providers to continue delivering support programs.
The government has faced criticism from housing advocates and political parties for failing to provide significant new funding for homelessness services in its two economic support packages to help Canberra through the COVID-19 crisis.
ACT Shelter chief executive Travis Gilbert told the Sunday Canberra Times that it was imperative that all rough sleepers were housed immediately.
He suggested hotels and motels were the most immediate option.
The government has chosen a slightly different path, with the bulk of the funding announced on Monday to be directed towards boosting the capacity of existing social and emergency housing options.
Some $305,000 will be spent refurbishing and upgrading public housing units so they could be used as crisis accommodation.
More than $120,000 has been allocated to Argyle Housing to deliver more crisis accommodation for men. CatholicCare will be given $150,000 to provide safe and supported accommodation for women and children.
The government has pledged $100,000 to fast track the delivery of its Housing First pilot program, which aims to end street homelessness by providing housing to people without the conditions that might otherwise prohibit a tenancy – such as sobriety or income.
The government has acknowledged the role that hotels could play in addressing the problem, with $100,000 allocated to OneLink to boost its capacity to coordinate referrals for temporary accommodation.
ACT Shelter was aware of 65 people sleeping on the street or in their cars who were in contact with Canberra’s homelessness services. However, it believed the total number of rough sleepers in the nation’s capital was far greater than that.
It was unclear if all of Canberra’s rough sleepers would be guaranteed shelter as a result of the ACT government’s announcement. It was also not clear how quickly the accommodation could be made available.
Housing Minister Yvette Berry and Minister for Community Services and Facilities Suzanne Orr were scheduled to formally announce the package on Monday afternoon.
The package, which is worth $3 million in total, includes three funding initiatives to support victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
The Domestic Violence Crisis Support Service will receive $350,000 to “enhance” support for women, children and families affected by domestic and family violence.
The government will also offer $125,000 worth of grants to help victims with mortgage or rental payments, furnishing accommodation, legal services and any other expenses.
Canberra Rape Crisis Centre will also receive $75,000 as part of the package.
Source: canberratimes.com
