The state government has allocated a crucial $390 million funding boost to homeless services, responding to a 30 per cent increase in pleas for help.
Every specialist homeless service in Logan and statewide will benefit from a 20 per cent rise in government spending over the next 18 months.
Christopher John, the CEO OF Logan support service YFS, welcomed the “much needed boost”.
“Demand for our housing and homelessness services has increased by more than 30 per cent across many of our services in the last year,” Mr John said.
“With rents increasing by more than 50 per cent over the last three years and low rental vacancy rates, it’s almost impossible to find affordable housing in the Logan region.
“Added to that, cost of living pressures mean more people are struggling to pay their rent or mortgage.”
Mr John said over 130 Logan families and individuals contact YFS each week for housing support and emergency accommodation.
“YFS is seeing more people sleeping rough in our parks and public spaces,” he said.
“We are also seeing an increase in people who are experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness.”
The Queensland Government’s new five-point plan aims to: support renters, increase first homeownership, expand social housing and eradicate homelessness.
But specifics are yet to be released.
To support the plan, an independent review into the government’s response to homelessness will be launched.
“Everyone deserves a place to call home, a place they feel safe and warm,” Premier Steven Miles said.
“For those who fall through the cracks – we need to support our homelessness organisations so they can deliver better services and get people who are sleeping rough into crisis accommodation, and eventually into permanent places to call home.
“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.”
Deputy premier, treasurer and Woodridge member Cameron Dick said it was “heartbreaking” to know some people are “facing the threat of homelessness”.
“Queenslanders don’t just walk by when people need help, which is why our government is stepping up when more assistance is required.
“Meanwhile, we are continuing to do our part to provide more social and affordable housing across our state.”
