Minister for Housing and Homelessness
Robert McClelland MP
Minister for Housing and Homelessness Robert McClelland MP, today helped serve lunch at The Salvation Army’s Anchor Men’s Crisis Centre in Newcastle, NSW.
Mr McClelland and federal member for Newcastle Sharon Grierson MP took the opportunity to hear stories from clients at the centre about battling homelessness, and their difficulties in finding the right service and support to help them get back on their feet.
“For many, Christmas is a chance to spend time with family and loved ones,” said
Mr McClelland.
“Unfortunately, for those in our community who are vulnerable, experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness, Christmas can be the hardest time of all.
“Homelessness is a complex problem, and it cannot be simply addressed by putting a roof over someone’s head. It is also about ensuring the support services like healthcare, counselling and employment are in place,” said Mr McClelland.
“Across Australia today there are many dedicated services working to reach out and give a bit of comfort to people, services such as The Salvation Army’s Anchor Men’s Crisis Centre here in Newcastle,” said Ms Grierson.
“In addition to regular free meals, the Crisis Centre provides men aged 18 to 65 with advocacy, case management and crisis accommodation for up to three months at a time.
“I want to thank The Salvation Army and their generous volunteers, along with all homelessness services and volunteers across my electorate and across the entire nation, who are giving up their time to provide support to those Australians experiencing homelessness during Christmas,” said Ms Grierson.
“Currently, there are an estimated 105,000 Australians who are experiencing homelessness,” said Mr McClelland.
“We want to reduce the number of people who wake up every morning not knowing where they will sleep that night.
“Since 2008, the federal Labor Government has invested $5 billion into alleviating and preventing homelessness across the country.
“This includes a $1.1 billion joint partnership with the States and Territories under the National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness, that has delivered more than 180 new and better integrated support services for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
“Under this partnership, people experiencing or at risk of homelessness over the past two years have received assistance more than 240,000 times including 170,000 times in the last financial year.
“We’ve also invested $5.6 billion in providing homes and support services for people facing homelessness under the Social Housing Initiative.
“The Australian Government is committed to an ambitious, long-term plan to halve the rate of homelessness and offer supported accommodation to all those who seek it by 2020.
“I encourage all Australians to dig deep to help services dedicated to assisting those people experiencing homelessness not just today, but all year round,” said Mr McClelland.
Contact: Simon Ferguson (McClelland) 0427 934 112
