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First Time Renter – A step by step guide to getting a rental property
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Becoming a first time renter can be exciting but it can also be daunting.
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The First Time Renter project is a collaboration between Queensland Youth Housing Coalition (QYHC), Community Connections (CLA Inc.), Tenants Queensland (TQ), and Youth Advocacy Centre (YAC). The collaboration was established to meet the gap in information for young people regarding steps to accessing tenancies in either private rental or public housing. The resources produced through the collaboration give young people and vulnerable first-time renters the foundational “how to” information required to successfully complete private rental applications and commence tenancies.
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Federal Budget 2020-21
Homelessness Australia Chair, Jenny Smith noted that the recent Federal budget was devastating: “In a year with huge increases in unemployment creating a surge in rental stress and homelessness, the Federal Government has chosen to slash homelessness funding.” Read more here
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The ACOSS Post Budget Analysis points to cuts to the National Housing and Homelessness Agreement (NHHA) and failure to invest in social housing as major gap in the budget. They have described the $41m cut in the NHHA as extremely concerning.
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ACOSS acknowledges the budget commitment to funding ongoing equal pay for parts of the sector but calls for funding for all community services. The Post Budget Analysis in Anti-Poverty Week argued for a permanent, adequate increase to JobSeeker to bring the payment above the poverty line to end our persistently high poverty rates. More information here
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Everybody’s Home
Budget 2020-21
The Federal Government’s failure to fund an increase in social housing in the face of huge and growing unemployment and cuts to income support payments will result in a surge of people becoming homeless or living in extreme rental stress.
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National housing and homelessness campaign Everybody’s Home said investment in social housing, after decades of falling funding, would have created new construction jobs, apprenticeships and homes for a growing number of renters facing housing insecurity and at risk of homelessness.
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Campaign spokesperson, Kate Colvin’s statement is here
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SECTOR AND GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES
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ABS Update
Did you know that most of the homeless young people aged 12–18 years in 2016 were living in 'severely' crowded dwellings (61%) or in supported accommodation for the homeless (26%). While 7% of homeless persons aged 12 to 18 years were staying temporarily with other households, this proportion increases to 12% for youth aged 19–24 years?
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The Australian Bureau of Statistics updated its website in September and it is now easier to navigate. Make sure you check out the new site to find Homelessness data from the 2016 Census, as well as a useful overview of the Homelessness Collection. This includes information about data and youth homelessness.
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Youth Connect Evaluation
Youth CONNECT is a program focused on developing the resilience of young people with a statutory care experience. It has been operating for 3 years in the Logan/Gold Coast, Ipswich and Townsville regions. In keeping with the goal of continuous improvement, the Youth CONNECT program is being evaluated over the next few months. The evaluation team from the University of Sunshine Coast have invited internal and external stakeholders to participate in the evaluation through interviews, focus groups and surveys.
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Interviews and focus groups are being held throughout October 2020 and surveys will be released in November 2020. You are encouraged to give feedback on the program if you, your colleagues or your clients have been connected to it. If you would like to be involved and provide your feedback, or would like to find out more, please contact YCR@usc.edu.au.
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Feeding Brisbane
Food Security summit
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This event invites services and community groups who provide food in Brisbane to come together.
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Friday 27th November 2020 from 9.30 am - 1.00 pm.
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National Homelessness Conference 2020
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The 2020 National Homelessness Conference is going ahead, online, on 1st and 2nd December.
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The conference program will examine the impacts on our sector from the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic as well as the catastrophic climate disasters of last summer.
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The program will also cover the major challenges and opportunities in homelessness policy and practice that were in play before and will continue to be important after the pandemic.
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You can find the program here and register here
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Generation of Change
Inspiring Young People to shape a Brighter Future
Children’s Rights Queensland is proud to present Generation of Change – Inspiring young people to shape a brighter future. This is a webinar for young people by young people. It will feature inspiring young Queenslanders who will share how they are making a difference.
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Generation of Change will take place on Thursday the 29th of October, from 4:30pm to approximately 5:40pm. This is a FREE event but registration is essential. Register here.
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Sistergirl and Brotherboy
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Did you know that LGBTIQAP+ Sistergirl and Brotherboy young people are significantly over-represented in experiences of homelessness and housing issues? Luckily, workers and organisations can take many steps to make their practice more affirming and inclusive, which significantly improves access to housing and support, as well as mental health outcomes.
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You can find resources to support your work with LGBTIQAP+ Sistergirl and Brotherboy young people here
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AHURI Research
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This month the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI) released “Renting in the time of COVID-19: understanding the impacts” which identifies challenges for the rental sector and offers insights into how the rental market is performing, the uptake of existing support measures and the demand for future assistance.
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You can find the report and executive summary on mental health and housing here and the Renting in the time of COVID documents here.
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Homelessness Inquiry
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On 7 October 2020, the Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs tabled in Parliament its interim report, entitled “Shelter in the storm – COVID-19 and homelessness.” The Committee’s inquiry into homelessness in Australia continues. The Committee will issue a final report, addressing the inquiry’s full terms of reference and recommendations, at the conclusion of the inquiry.
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The interim report including QYHC’s contributions is available here.
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QUEENSLAND GENERAL ELECTION 2020
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Queenslanders with a Disability Network
Queenslanders with a Disability Network (QDN) have released their 2020 Qld State Election Policy Platform “My Disability Matters”.
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QDN is asking the next Queensland Government to deliver and fund accessible, affordable and quality mainstream services for people with disability and is calling on candidates across Queensland to commit to the policy positions outlined in their policy platform.
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Find out what QDN is asking for across a range of areas, including housing here
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QShelter
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Q Shelter is asking all candidates in the 2020 Queensland State Government election to consider and include informed responses to housing and homelessness issues in their community.
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Q Shelter has identified four priority solutions:
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- Investment in social housing supply and stimulus to leverage 10,000 units of housing each year for 10 years
- Enhanced support for sustained tenancies to assist 20,000 vulnerable Queensland households per year
- The continuation and expansion of service integration to achieve integrated and enduring solutions to the needs of vulnerable Queenslanders
- An improved planning system that prioritises and mandates the delivery of social and affordable housing.
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Queensland Community Services Peaks Election Statement
QYHC is pleased to have participated in the Queensland Community Services Peaks Election Statement. The key requests are:
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Resource the Family Matters Queensland campaign and actions identified in the Our Way Strategy and Changing Tracks Action Plan.
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Build more social housing and make renting fair.
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Build the capacity and capability of the community services sector.
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You can read the full statement here
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QCOSS Election Debate
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The QCOSS 2020 State Election Leaders Debate (19th October 2020) offered an important contribution to the election information and can be viewed here
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Youth Advocacy Centre (YAC) Queensland Election
Our colleagues at the Youth Advocacy Centre (YAC) are sending a ten-point evidence-based plan for investment to address youth offending to every State candidate in a bid to provide them with an opportunity to commit to increased investment in the areas which will be likely to prevent youth offending and divert young offenders.
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You can read their Orange Paper here
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COVID-19 Information for Young People
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Check out the Youth Advocacy Centre (YAC) website for the latest COVID-19 Update which came into force on Friday 16th October. Numbers allowed in non-restricted places has increased from 30 to 40 people. More information can be found here
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The National NAIDOC Committee has announced NAIDOC Week celebrations will be held from 8th to 15th November 2020. For events near you, click here
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Anti-Poverty Week 2020 took place from 11th until 17th October and supported affordable housing for all as the best solution to reducing poverty through partnering with the Everybody's Home campaign. They also continue to support the Raise the Rate campaign.
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The link between poverty and homelessness is undeniable, especially for children and young people. Many Researchers note childhood poverty as the leading cause of youth homelessness. This year, Anti-Poverty Week also offered important facts and resources that highlight the reality of poverty in Australia. These include: Poverty in Australia, Child Poverty, and Poverty and Housing. You can access the fast facts here
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