housing

Homelessness in the context of climate change and pandemic

Recapping the National Homelessness Conference (December 1st-2nd, 2020)

At the recent National Homelessness Conference presented by AHURI and Homelessness Australia, a range of national and international sector leaders gathered to share insights and experiences regarding homelessness. The overwhelming message was the impact of climate change and a global health crisis on our most vulnerable populations that encompasses both an ecological and human crisis given that the health of one is inextricably interwoven with the health of all. Read more here
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SECTOR INITIATIVES

National Redress Scheme

QYHC has been working with DCHDE, Department of Children and liaising with the Commonwealth to support organisations in meeting the required expectations of the National Redress scheme. The sector is overwhelmingly noting their support of this scheme. However, there has been confusion and a lack of clarity with regard to some complex questions, processes and expectations that we’re all working together to address. In the meantime, we are assured that there will be no State-based sanctions considered where organisations are in the process of decision making, and that an extension to the Commonwealth’s 31 December 2020 deadline is expected.

Redress Scheme's December deadline booted
Check out the NRS website here and NR guide here

Less red tape for Charities

Federal and state governments have agreed to reduce red tape for more than 5000 small and medium-sized charities. The measures will save organisations thousands of dollars in administration costs, with a joint agreement also formalising a "cross-border recognition model" to "harmonise" fundraising laws.

Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said excessive regulation currently costs the sector $13.3 million a year and reforms would divert resources back to communities. The decision comes on the back of a concerted #FixFundraising campaign by sector leaders, who welcomed the reforms as a good "first step" but called for more detail about the plans.

Read more here

Queensland construction jobs

The Palaszczuk Government’s $100 million Works for Tradies stimulus is creating jobs for local tradies and homes for vulnerable Queenslanders, at social housing construction sites across the state.

Minister for Communities and Housing Leeanne Enoch said the Palaszczuk Government is delivering on Queensland’s plan for economic recovery by accelerating social housing construction, generating over 240 jobs and building 215 homes by the end of 2021.

“This Works for Tradies funding is in addition to the $1.6 billion Housing Construction Jobs Program scheduled to build over 5,500 social and affordable homes over 10 years,” Minister Enoch said.
“This will support 600 full time building and construction industry jobs each year for Queensland Tradies.

“As part of the Works for Tradies program, new construction is commencing in the weeks ahead at Waterford West, Morayfield and Frenchville in Rockhampton. The new homes will provide safe, secure and affordable housing for Queenslanders in need.”

Ingenious Homes Director Heath Burns said the construction industry had been critical to the functioning of the economy during the COVID-19 crisis, pushed along by the government stimulus programs, the First Home Buyer’s grant scheme and the downturn in interest rates.

“When the crisis struck, we saw many developers hit the stop button, however programs like the Works for Tradies enabled them to continue to operate and has kept the wheels turning," Mr Burns said.

For more information on Works for Tradies, click here

Queensland Grants

1. Queensland Community Foundation
QCF’s organisational capacity building grant for 2021 is now open for charitable organisations that have Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR1) status, with a focus on domestic violence and / or mental health.
  • Applications close: 12 March 2021
  • The grant focuses on organisational capacity building assisting charities develop their structures, systems, people and skills in order to deliver improved outcomes.
  • Funding amounts of up to $20,000
For more information click here

2. Gambling Community Benefit Fund -
The objective of the fund is to allocate funding to not-for-profit community groups to help them provide services, leisure activities and opportunities for Queensland communities.
  • Round 108 will open mid-Jan 2021 and will close 11.59pm 28 Feb 2021.
  • The funding amount: between $500 and $35,000.
The GCBF has multiple funding rounds each year. The closing dates for the rounds are: 28 February, 30 April, 30 June, 31st August and 31st October 2021.

Priorities - Items/facilities directly affected, damaged or destroyed by a declared natural disaster in the last 2 years; Equipment or facility improvements; Buses, cars, caravans, boats, tractors, trailers, large mowers, motorbikes and similar items; Community events, training, workshops, festivals, publications and website development; Organisations that have received more than $15,000 from the GCBF over the past 2 years

For more information click here

EVENTS

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Rockin 4 The Homeless 2020

Rockin' 4 The Homeless is a fundraiser benefiting the work of The Breakfast Club, a volunteer-run, not-for-profit organisation providing support and services for homeless people in the Redcliffe Peninsula region in Queensland. This year, faced with the difficulties brought on by the global pandemic, Rockin' 4 The Homeless have brought back the greatest acts that have graced their stage to release a spectacular double album that serves as a historic catalogue of past events and a way to continue to raise money for those in need.
You can buy the album or support the venture here

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Registration upon entry is required to meet COVID-19 safety standards.
For more information contact:
Brisbane North Youth Alliance
Karen Becker
E: kbecker@communityliving.org.au
M: 0408 982 634

WWILD is Recruiting!

WWILD is seeking a full time Victims of Crime Support Worker.
This position works closely with the Manager and other Victim of Crime Support Workers in providing direct support to people with intellectual and/or learning difficulties who have experienced or at significant risk of experiencing violence. The role involves providing information, and individual and group work support for people in our target group, developing and delivering training and community education to increase the capacity of service providers, families and carers to respond appropriately to people with intellectual disability. Click here for application.
APPLICATIONS CLOSE COB 31st December 2020

RESOURCES

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Who is Who in the New Government Zoo

Advocacy is in the community service sector’s DNA, but mystifying government processes can frustrate the best laid plan. This unique course takes you through the who and what of government decision-making, revealing how you can be a more influential advocate. What you’ll get from the course:
  • A more comprehensive understanding of the people, positions, and processes through which State government decisions are made, including their timeframes
  • A keener appreciation of what decision makers are looking for in advice and proposals
  • An opportunity to refine your organisation’s story about what it offers, the public benefit and the alignment with government priorities
  • A collection of proven methods and resources to take away and use day to day.
Plus, another opportunity to network and plan with like-minded colleagues.
For more information go to Moynihan | Healy Consulting or click here

Hindsight is 2020

For those of you who missed our young people's perspectives through the Hindsight is 2020 video, you can enjoy it now!
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PUBLICATIONS, REPORTS AND SUBMISSIONS

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Parity Contribution

The planned February 2021 "A New Direction Home: The Future of Leaving Care" edition of Parity follows on from the two previous editions of Parity devoted to the nexus between out of home care, (OoHC) and leaving out of home care, homelessness and the risk of homelessness.

The “A New Direction Home: The Future of Leaving Care" edition will examine and discuss the changes that has been made in the management and regulation of OoHC in different state and territory jurisdictions since 2016, in particular, in those jurisdictions that have already embraced extending the age of leaving care till 21, that is, Tasmania and Victoria.Deadline for contributions is COB Friday, 12 February, 2021. Find out more here

Australian Homelessness Monitor 2020

This report presents an independent analysis of homelessness in Australia. It investigates the changing scale and nature of the problem, and assesses recent policy and practice developments seen in response.

Combining quantitative and qualitative analysis, the report draws on existing published sources, as well as on primary research involving interviews with government and NGO stakeholders, and with people experiencing homelessness.

Click here for the executive summary and here for the report

CAMPAIGNS

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Everybody's Home

The Everybody's Home report: Double Return by Equity Economics has found that COVID-19 will continue to impact homeless Australians. It found that homelessness will increase 9% in 2021, with a 24% rise in the number of households experiencing housing stress.

Click here to read more

Tenants Queensland

Was your tenancy affected during COVID-19?
Let Tenants Queensland know about your experience, and you could WIN 1 of 4 $50 gift vouchers.
Real life stories from QLD renters like you will provide invaluable information to help them advocate for change and inform future responses.

Click here to complete the survey

IN THE MEDIA

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