Murraylands homelessness services to share in $115 million in funding

The state government is putting $115 million into addressing homelessness in South Australia, including in the Murraylands.

Murraylands homelessness services to share in $115 million in funding
AC Care CEO Shane Maddocks’ organisation is a partner in the Country South Homelessness Alliance, which will benefit from new government funding. Photo: AC Care/Facebook.

To help keep vulnerable people safe and to prevent more homelessness, the state government is investing $115 million over two years, some of which will help people in the Murraylands.

As South Australians face rising cost-of-living pressures, higher interest rates and record low vacancies in the rental market, specialist homelessness services are more important than ever.

With homelessness service contracts due to expire on June 30, the announcement about the extra funding has given the sector some job security.

The funding will renew contracts for a further two years until 2025 for five homelessness alliances delivering services to people sleeping rough or with insecure housing.

One, in the country south SA region, includes the Murraylands and involves the combined resources of non-government partners AC Care, Junction Australia, Pangula Mannamurna Aboriginal Corporation and the Moorundi Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service.

Country South Homelessness Alliance leadership team member Kirsty Barnett said the alliance has led to stronger relationships between its partners.

“These relationships have enabled us to secure achievements, such as creating unique individual client outcomes as well as responding quickly and effectively to people affected by the recent Murray River floods,” she said.

“But perhaps most importantly, our alliance has enabled us to learn from the wisdom of our Aboriginal partners – Moorundi Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service and Pangula Mannamurna Aboriginal Corporation – to influence change in thinking and create better outcomes for all, especially Aboriginal people.”

The homelessness alliances work to prevent homelessness, offer help when people have nowhere to go and do outreach to rough sleepers.

Homelessness services in SA assist around 6000 people in any given month.

  • Get help: Contact AC Care at 29 Bridge Street, Murray Bridge on 8531 4900 during business hours or call the Homelessness Gateway on 1800 003 308.

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