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The Northern Territory and Commonwealth Governments will invest more than $54 million to tackle homelessness in the NT.

 

Minister for Housing Rob Knight said the four-year plan will allow new dwellings to be constructed and boost services for people in need of assistance.

 

“The Territory Government and Commonwealth Governments are committed to tackling homelessness across the NT,” Mr Knight said.

 

“Reducing homelessness requires improvements to a wide range of policies and programs and we are committed to breaking the cycle of homelessness through the National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness.

 

“The plan targets key groups such as rough sleepers, people experiencing homelessness, people escaping violence, children and young people and those exiting care and protection.

 

“It identifies that a boost in support services which reduce homelessness and rough sleeping are required, as well as improving access to sustainable housing and social inclusion of homeless people and those at risk of becoming homeless.”

 

Under the Homelessness National Partnership Agreement the Territory will deliver:

·                    Thirty-two new homes in urban areas as part of a program to provide targeted support services for the first year of tenancy

·                    Assistance for rough sleepers

·                    Support funding for youth development crisis accommodation

·                    An expanded tenancy sustainability program

·                    Assistance for people leaving correctional services or state care

·                    Support for women and children experiencing domestic and family violence

·                    A connected service system which will help link clients and service providers

·                    Boosted alcohol and drug support programs

 

Member for Solomon Damian Hale said the Territory faces tough challenges to address our homelessness needs.

 

“Through the Homelessness NPA, we are working to make significant progress to reform public and community housing. Alongside this, we will provide a significant boost to stock through the social housing component of the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan,” Mr Hale said.

 

Media Contact: Katie Woolf 0420 972 505