Bungalows to boost housing options for families in need: Minister
Published Thursday, 28 August, 2008 at 02:39 PM
Minister for Communities, Disability Services, ATSIP, Multicultural Affairs, Seniors and Youth
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr
Communities and Youth Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr has today launched the arrival of Kids Under Cover in Queensland at an event at Parliament House in Brisbane.
Ms Nelson-Carr launched the organisation’s bungalow program, and encouraged the private sector to dig deep and support the initiative.
“Kids Under Cover is an innovative, not-for-profit organisation originating in Victoria which has had a successful track record constructing purpose-built accommodation to provide extra room for families who are confronting issues like homelessness, breakdown or limited space,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“The organisation has now selected Queensland as it embarks on a national expansion program to help young people at risk of becoming homeless to develop their independent living skills and complete their education or training,” she said.
“The program involves providing bungalow-style accommodation in the backyards of existing dwellings, at youth residential services, on private or government land.
“What this does is add additional sleeping and study space for young people, including those with a disability, so they can live more independently while being close to their families.
“For example, Kids Under Cover has provided a foster care family in Queensland with a bungalow so they can take care of a sibling group of four children. Another bungalow has gone to an organisation housing young people who need support and safety.”
The bungalows are fully demountable and can be relocated several times over the course of their lifespan.
Ms Nelson-Carr said government would be looking into how it can assist the independent organisation, and urged business and industry to get on board.
“Kids Under Cover’s leadership is an example to others to invest back into their communities and in our young people who are our future,” said the Minister
“I congratulate you on your commitment to be financially independent and I encourage others to support your efforts.”
In Victoria, Kids Under Cover has built 14 houses and more than 290 bungalows which provide a housing solution to more than 1600 homeless or at-risk young people across metropolitan and regional parts of that state.
“It is no secret the growing shortage of housing across all areas of Australia is having significant flow-on effects to low-income and vulnerable people,” Ms Nelson Carr said.
“The rental-market squeeze is making it even more difficult for young people who are homeless to step up to access affordable, private rental accommodation.
“I commend Kids Under Cover for its initiative and its commitment, and I welcome the organisation to Queensland.”
Media Contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s office 3235 4280
Ms Nelson-Carr launched the organisation’s bungalow program, and encouraged the private sector to dig deep and support the initiative.
“Kids Under Cover is an innovative, not-for-profit organisation originating in Victoria which has had a successful track record constructing purpose-built accommodation to provide extra room for families who are confronting issues like homelessness, breakdown or limited space,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“The organisation has now selected Queensland as it embarks on a national expansion program to help young people at risk of becoming homeless to develop their independent living skills and complete their education or training,” she said.
“The program involves providing bungalow-style accommodation in the backyards of existing dwellings, at youth residential services, on private or government land.
“What this does is add additional sleeping and study space for young people, including those with a disability, so they can live more independently while being close to their families.
“For example, Kids Under Cover has provided a foster care family in Queensland with a bungalow so they can take care of a sibling group of four children. Another bungalow has gone to an organisation housing young people who need support and safety.”
The bungalows are fully demountable and can be relocated several times over the course of their lifespan.
Ms Nelson-Carr said government would be looking into how it can assist the independent organisation, and urged business and industry to get on board.
“Kids Under Cover’s leadership is an example to others to invest back into their communities and in our young people who are our future,” said the Minister
“I congratulate you on your commitment to be financially independent and I encourage others to support your efforts.”
In Victoria, Kids Under Cover has built 14 houses and more than 290 bungalows which provide a housing solution to more than 1600 homeless or at-risk young people across metropolitan and regional parts of that state.
“It is no secret the growing shortage of housing across all areas of Australia is having significant flow-on effects to low-income and vulnerable people,” Ms Nelson Carr said.
“The rental-market squeeze is making it even more difficult for young people who are homeless to step up to access affordable, private rental accommodation.
“I commend Kids Under Cover for its initiative and its commitment, and I welcome the organisation to Queensland.”
Media Contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s office 3235 4280