Dandenong area homeless gain crisis support
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Dandenong Aids Prevention Support Unit Manager Colin Coxshead, Hanover Welfare Services Southern Division Manager Simon Fee and Salvation Army Peninsula Youth and Family Service Manager Rob Martin at the announcement of a new crisis accommodation service in the Greater Dandenong area. |
A new crisis accommodation service for people and families at risk of homelessness is to be established in the Greater Dandenong area.
Housing and Aged Care Minister Bronwyn Pike said the new Dandenong South East Crisis Supported Accommodation Service will provide 24-hour crisis response and crisis placement, support, information and referral services.
Hanover Welfare Services will operate the service at a purpose-built nine-bedroom facility to be located in the Dandenong area—and additional properties throughout the municipalities of Dandenong, Casey, Cardinia and Frankston.
‘This service will provide much-needed shelter and support to people and families in the Dandenong area who are at risk of homelessness,’ Ms Pike said.
‘It will also seek to address the issues which cause homelessness and help to break the cycle of despair.
‘Qualified staff experienced in helping people in crisis will provide 24-hour supervision to clients.
‘Assistance will range from connection to counselling or welfare agencies to help with paying rental arrears or finding stable accommodation.’
The Government has allocated $1.03 million to build the nine-bedroom facility, which will be completed in 2003.
The other services will be operational by the end of this year.
The Government has also increased its annual commitment to fund homelessness support services in the Dandenong area from $450,000 to $750,000 in recognition of the need for services in the area.
The service will accommodate 18 people for up to six weeks when it becomes fully operational in 2003.