Hand back homeless money
In line with Anti-Poverty Week, ACT Greens MLA Deb Foskey has called on the ACT Government to reinstate the $1 million it cut out of homelessness services last year.
"Despite the affluence of our community, more than 5000 people experience homelessness each year in the ACT" said Dr Foskey today.
"If the ACT Government was really committed to reducing poverty, it would reinstate the $1 million it ripped from homelessness services as a matter of urgency."
"The $1 million cut is still hurting those least able to make a fuss, as housing affordability and availability and homelessness continue to be key issues in the ACT."
"ACTCOSS recently quoted data suggesting that each day emergency housing agencies had to turn away an estimated 15.5 people in the ACT."
"In addition to the high demand for beds, ACT's homeless population have on average the most complex needs of any homeless population in any state or territory. Although the Government's $1 million cut did not cause beds to be lost, many supporting services that address the complex needs of our homeless people have been lost, diminishing their chance of getting on their feet again."
"Our emergency housing is full to the brim, as homeless people have nowhere to go after their time in emergency housing comes to an end. The average length of support provided to a homeless person in the ACT was 86 days, compared to the national average of 48 days."
"If the ACT Government is to put its money where its mouth is during Anti-Poverty week, it must as a matter of urgency reinstate the $1 million cut in homelessness services, to assist in meeting the continual high demand for beds, and complex needs of the homeless" said Dr Foskey.
- via the Supported Accommodation Assistance Program (SAAP)
MEDIA CONTACT Kate Taylor 62050161
