The Territory Labor Government today announced a six-month trial to get vulnerable Territorians sleeping rough in Darwin CBD into short-term transitional accommodation.
The Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Nicole Manison, said $170,000 in funding would be allocated to Aboriginal Hostels Limited (AHL) to pay for 30 beds at the Galawu Hostel on Finniss Street.
She said while those rooms were currently available, people were sleeping on the streets instead. This trial will now see those rooms used.
The funding will come from the $8.9 million Anti-social Behaviour Plan which – among a raft of targeted measures - promised a Better Pathway Centre and short-term accommodation in the CBD.
Today’s announcement comes following a review into homelessness which identified a shortfall in short-term accommodation options for vulnerable individuals, particularly in the Darwin area.
The funding will provide immediate relief to homeless Aboriginal men, women and children, including people visiting from remote communities that have no accommodation options. Individuals will only be accommodated by referral, through Larrakia Nation, City of Darwin or Danila Dilba health services.
It will ensure more people are off the streets and in safe, suitable accommodation until they return to their community, or until longer-term arrangements can be made.
The Territory Labor Government is doing more to address housing issues than any Government before it. This includes funding the record $1.1 billion, 10-year remote housing investment to provide additional housing and reduce overcrowding in the bush - improving the quality of life for remote Territorians, and over $169million into public housing stimulus to refresh public housing, and bring old stock back online.
The Department of Local Government, Housing and Community Development will continue to work with other stakeholders to identify additional short-term accommodation options across the Territory.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Police, Nicole Manison:
“Today’s announcement will mean 30 less people will sleep on the streets – it’s a great result and helps create a safer Territory and a more vibrant CBD,” she said.
“Sadly, the Territory has the highest rates of homelessness in the country. This initiative will provide stability for our most vulnerable Territorians, especially women and children, to ensure they are off the streets and in a safe place.
“Unlike the CLP Government, who failed to invest a single cent into housing, the Territory Labor Government is doing everything we can to ensure every Territorian has safe place to sleep at night. We are investing in tackling homelessness because it’s the right thing to do and the smart thing to do.”
Quotes attributable to Daphne Allia, Galawu Hostel:
“Increasing the number of crisis beds in Darwin will make a big difference to those who need somewhere safe and comfortable to stay.
“Providing food and beds to those who are homeless or down on their luck is where we need to begin if we want to help these people turn their lives around.”
Media Contact – Hannah Farmer - 0428 497 154