A lack of federal funding for homelessness services continues to be a major concern for agencies on the Border.
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Rural Housing Network chief executive Celia Adams criticised the government’s recent budget commitment of $375 million over three years for homeless services.
Ms Adams said this allocation was, in effect, “a re-badging of the existing National Partnership on Homelessness with some indexation”.
“There is no real increase in investment,” she said in a statement.
“The positive is that funding is secured on an ongoing basis, something we haven’t had previously, however it’s still not enough.”
The key agency in Albury dealing with homelessness, yes unlimited, also questioned the government’s future commitments.
It “applauds” the government’s decision to maintain homelessness funding.
“This does not, however, provide the additional investment required to meet the demand we continue to experience for our services,” client services manager Jon Park said.
A complex problem requires a sophisticated solution where the community and government sectors are structured in such a way that ensures people do not fall through the gaps
- yes unlimited's Jon Park
“In the last 12 months yes unlimited has seen over 1000 people come through its doors seeking assistance and our women’s refuge, Betty’s Place, and youth refuge, Broughton House, has been consistently full, meaning the demand for local crisis accommodation always outweighs the supply.”
Mr Park, also chair of the Border’s Triple H Forum (Housing, Homelessness and Human Services), said a government-community approach was required.
“A complex problem requires a sophisticated solution where the community and government sectors are structured in such a way that ensures people do not fall through the gaps, or bounce around services, and are able to access a spectrum of support and housing options that meet their unique needs,” he said.
“Having a home is about more than just having a house. It’s about love, safety, stability, well being and connection to the community.”
Hume Region Homelessness Network co-ordinator Jan Armstrong said poverty was central to homelessness.
“I was disappointed to see that there was no increase in Newstart in the federal budget. There should have been,” she said.
“And the line is always what governments can or cannot afford. But isn’t it a simple premise that if you’re worried only about dollars that there is going to be a lot more spent in future as a result of the flow-on effect of people not having enough to survive?”
