Beyond Housing has thrown its support behind a national campaign urging the federal government to address a potential $73 million black hole that puts essential homelessness services at risk.
Beyond Housing CEO Celia Adams said She said the imminent expiration of the Equal Remuneration Order (ERO) funding by June 30 threatened to deepen what was already “the worst housing crisis in living memory”.
The national campaign spearheaded by Homelessness Australia estimates over 700 frontline homelessness support jobs could be lost, severely impacting the sector’s ability to assist the most vulnerable in society.
Beyond Housing is the main entry point for the homelessness system across the Goulburn and Ovens Murray regions and provides a range of supports for people who are homeless or at risk.
Each year the organisation supports up to 6000 people and families needing assistance to secure or maintain their housing.
“Any loss of funding will severely impact the sector’s ability to respond to growing need, including our organisation,” Ms Adams said.
“We don’t turn people away, even if options are limited, but any reduction in funding would reduce our impact to support those who are homeless or at risk.”
“With the rising demand for housing and services, driven by escalating interest rates and the soaring cost of living, now is not the time to cut back on essential support.”
Homelessness Australia has also called on the federal government to commit an additional $450 million to meet the growing demand for homelessness support because of the housing crisis.
“Every day, we see the faces behind the statistics — families, working people, and the elderly, all struggling to find a place to call home. The government must act now to secure the future of homelessness funding,” Ms Adams said.
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