Catholic organisations in Canberra have welcomed the news that the ACT will receive $50 million from the Albanese Government to boost social housing. Source: Catholic Voice.
The funding, which will be delivered within two weeks, is the ACT’s share of a $2 billion social housing spend announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese last weekend.
The money can be used for new social housing, spot purchasing or renovations to make affordable homes liveable – but it must be spent or committed to be spent over the next two years.
Marymead CatholicCare CEO Anne Kirwan said the Government’s response to the housing crisis and terrible under-supply of housing properties for people with low incomes was a fantastic first step.
“The sector has been calling for years, and it is great to see the Government step up,” Ms Kirwan said.
“The money will deliver more homes for people on low incomes in the ACT and NSW, which will begin to help those who have been on the waiting list for years.”
Ms Kirwan said the increased cost of living pressure was not only having an impact on low-income families.
“More and more working families are struggling to make ends meet and are seeking the support of charities like Marymead CatholicCare and St Vincent de Paul to meet living costs,” she said.
MacKillop House Executive Director of Service Delivery Erin MacArthur said the funding offered a great opportunity to collaborate to meet the needs of women (with or without children) experiencing homelessness through increased housing and support services.
“As a lead Specialised Community Housing provider, we believe that access to safe and secure housing is the right of every Australian and that many of our social challenges can be addressed through the provision of appropriate, affordable housing.”
FULL STORY
Chronic housing shortage gets financial boost (By Veronika Cox, Catholic Voice)
