Local organisations who support some of Brisbane’s most vulnerable residents are being urged to apply for more than $1 million in funding under the Schrinner Council’s Pathways out of Homelessness grant program.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said he was extremely proud of the $3 million grant program which began in 2019 and was extended for a further three years.
“We introduced the Pathways out of Homelessness grant program to help those at risk or experiencing homelessness and it has been fantastic to see the real difference it is making on the ground,” Cr Schinner said.
“This program delivered help to people throughout its first three years and our Council’s decision to guarantee funding for a further three years will ensure help is available for those who need it.”
Council worked with 11 organisations during the first three years of the program, with grant recipients delivering a range of innovative projects that delivered sustainable pathways out of homelessness.
Between 2019-2022, the program supported more than 3700 Brisbane residents who were either at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
The 2022-2023 budget commitment of a further $3 million for the next three years of the program has enabled the continuation of four projects that support vulnerable residents at risk or experiencing homelessness access and sustain housing.
This includes supporting women recovering from domestic violence, young people transitioning from supported housing to independent living and vulnerable residents sleeping rough across Brisbane.
Micah Projects Ltd, Communify QLD Ltd, Brisbane Youth Service and Beyond DV will each receive approximately $450,000 over the next three years to a total of $1.8 million. More than $1 million in funding is now available to eligible organisations to support more projects that respond to homelessness and social housing issues in Brisbane.
Cr Schrinner said homelessness is a complex issue and can come in many shapes and forms, including sleeping rough, couch surfing, sleeping in a car or crisis accommodation.
“Communify’s Sustaining at Risk Tenancies project helps people access and sustain tenancies through coordinated case management and is a great example of how this grant program is directly benefiting individuals,” he said.
“A wonderful success story out Communify QLD’s Sustaining at Risk Tenancies project is John*, who is in his 60s and has a long history of homelessness.
“John was the victim of a hit and run incident that resulted in a traumatic recovery further complicated by a social housing environment that left him feeling unsafe.”
“Working in partnership with John, Communify developed a support plan and helped him move into a secure, long-term Brisbane Housing Company house in a safe location with essential homewares to help him cook, clean and continue to live independently.”
Applications are now open for the Pathways out of Homelessness Grant program, closing on 15 March.
For more information, please visit Council’s website on:
*Name has been changed to protect client’s identity.
