Mallee Accommodation & Support Program (MASP) welcomes the doubling of Commonwealth funding for homelessness and the provision State and Territory Governments must match this funding under the new National Housing Agreement which comes into effect on Monday.
States and Territories will share in $9.3 billion to help combat homelessness, provide crisis support and build and repair social housing as part of the five-year agreement.
“We are pleased to see more funding directed towards housing,” MASP Acting CEO Charmaine Calis said.
“We see firsthand across our region the effects of homelessness and housing insecurity so any positive move towards having more people with a roof over their head is much needed so people can carry on with their lives and take positive steps towards self-sustainability.”
A further $1 billion outside of the agreement will be directed towards crisis and transitional accommodation for women and children fleeing domestic violence, and youth through Housing Australia.
“MASP supports any initiative that will help provide safety and stability for some of our most vulnerable,” Mrs Calis said.
“We will continue to work with Governments and Stakeholders at all levels to help combat the trauma associated with homelessness and family violence.”