Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has invited non-government organisations to develop innovative supported temporary accommodation models to reduce homelessness in Murrumbidgee and Western NSW as part of a $10 million NSW Government investment.
The supported temporary accommodation Expression of Interest will see up to $10 million redirected from low cost motels and made available to NGOs to provide supported temporary accommodation.
“We know this innovative model of addressing homelessness in our local community will be welcomed by local NGOs,” Ms Cooke said.
“Every community is affected by homelessness, this initiative will support more people to find stable accommodation and reduce homelessness in the Cootamundra electorate.”
NGOs from within the Murrumbidgee and Western NSW FACS districts are encouraged to submit EOIs for the program as part of the third stage of its rollout, which opened on May 8 and will close on July 3 at 2pm.
Minister for Social Housing Pru Goward said the program has already led to a dramatic increase in the provision of supported temporary accommodation in other areas across NSW.
“Under the supported temporary accommodation model, people experiencing homelessness are assisted with accommodation and services which address the underlying reasons which led to them becoming homeless,” Minister Goward said.
“In 2016-17, the NSW Government provided more than 24,800 clients state-wide with access to temporary accommodation.”
Today’s announcement comes on the back of a record investment of $1.1 billion to support people experiencing homelessness and improve services for social housing tenants to help break disadvantage.
Anyone at risk of or experiencing homelessness should call Link2home on 1800 152 152.
