Queensland Premier Steven Miles has earmarked a 20 per cent bump over 18 months for Vinnies Queensland and other organisations that help people living with homelessness. Source: The Catholic Leader.
The announcement yesterday raises funding for homelessness support by almost $390 million.
Vinnies Queensland chief executive officer Kevin Mercer said the extra funding would be a much-needed boost to organisations on the front line of the state’s housing crisis.
“We have heard from too many Queenslanders who have been priced out of the rental market with nowhere to go, as crisis accommodation options throughout the state have been operating at capacity for years,” Mr Mercer said.
“With requests for help growing by more than 20 per cent in the last two years, this increase in funding will go a long way to helping the most vulnerable in our community.
“We also greatly welcome an independent review into Queensland’s homelessness services to better provide hope and dignity to the people these services support.”
Mr Miles said he had “seen and heard from Queenslanders who are struggling with the cost-of-living”.
“This funding will go directly to the organisations and the tireless workers at the coalface, who already know the sector and have developed programs and services to target needs,” he said.
The boost is the first part of the Miles Government’s Homes For Queenslanders plan.
Mr Mercer said he looked forward to hearing more details on the plan.
Vinnies Queensland provided more than 103,000 nights of accommodation in the past financial year.
FULL STORY
Vinnies Queensland’s Kevin Mercer welcomes $390 million boost to combat homelessness (By Joe Higgins, The Catholic Leader)
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