Homes for Queenslanders: New team to help homeless in Gold Coast

• Miles Government launches new Critical Response Team to help people sleeping rough 
• Department also signs up to Gold Coast Zero initiative
• Team part of Homes for Queenslanders plan alongside building one million more homes

A new team has been established to rapidly respond and help people on the Gold Coast experiencing homelessness.

The Critical Response Team will work with the local homelessness network to regularly visit known areas where people are experiencing homelessness and offer rapid support to help them find accommodation.

It’s part of the Miles Government’s new long-term housing plan – Homes for Queenslanders – which also included a 20 per cent uplift in funding for homelessness services.

The team is based on the success of Brisbane’s inner-city Critical Response Team which was established last year and has helped close to 800 people find safe accommodation.

Alongside the new team, the department has also signed up to the Gold Coast Zero initiative as a collaborator.

An initiative of the local homelessness network, it will ensure greater collaboration between organisations working towards ending homelessness.

Quotes attributable to Housing Minister and Gaven MP Meaghan Scanlon:

“Our Homes for Queenslanders plan isn’t just building one million homes – it’s also providing critical funding towards ending homelessness.

“The new team will be out in their van every day on the Gold Coast offering people a safe place to stay, wraparound support and longer-term housing.

“It adds to record funding to tackle homelessness through our Homes for Queenslanders plan, including a 20 per cent increase for our hardworking homelessness organisations.

“This is all at risk however, under the LNP who cut social housing when in Government and just last year voted against investment in 30,000 social and affordable homes.

“The LNP have said they don’t support the Miles Government buying hotels and vacant retirement villages once again turning their back on vulnerable Queenslanders.”

Further information:

Anyone who needs housing assistance can contact the Gold Coast Housing Service Centre on 5645 8100 during business hours or call the 24/7 Homeless Hotline on 1800 474 753.

ENDS

Media contact: Francis Dela Cruz - 0420 592 078