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The Northern Territory Government has announced further action to help those at risk of homelessness, following meetings today with the non-Government service providers.

 

Minister for Housing Rob Knight said the Territory Government would bring forward the expression of interest process for $1million in Federal funding to tackle short term social housing issues.

 

“Reducing homelessness requires improvements to a wide range of policies and programs and we are committed to breaking the cycle of homelessness,” Mr Knight said.

 

“I met with non-government service providers earlier today to discuss initiatives to immediately address the social housing issues facing the Territory.

 

“Through the National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness, I believe it is essential that the funding is released to develop programs and initiatives which target rough sleepers.

 

“An expression of interest will be sought from non-government organisations that can assist in street to home initiatives for people experiencing homelessness, people exiting social housing, escaping violence or institutional care and indigenous people.

 

“This process will allow all non-government organisations the opportunity to gain funding to supply accommodation options for those people facing homelessness.”

 

Through the Homelessness NPA more than $54 million will be invested over the next four years to tackle homelessness in the Territory.

 

The NPA identifies a boost in support services which reduce homelessness and rough sleeping is required, as well as improving access to sustainable housing and social inclusion of homeless people and those at risk of becoming homeless.

 

 “Through the Homelessness NPA, we are working to make significant progress to reform public and community housing,” Mr Knight said.

 

“The Territory Government is also working to provide a significant boost to social housing stock through the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plans.”

 

Media Contact: Katie Woolf 0420 972 505