Published Tuesday, 28 October, 2008 at 01:47 PM
JOINT STATEMENT
Minister for Public Works, Housing and Information and Communication Technology
The Honourable Robert Schwarten
Minister for Communities, Disability Services, ATSIP, Multicultural Affairs, Seniors and Youth
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr
New shelter for young women opens
Young Cairns women in crisis are benefiting from the construction of a $1 million, four-bedroom shelter in Earlville, as well as funding for complementary support services.
Housing Minister Robert Schwarten, Communities Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr and Member for Cairns Desley Boyle today officially opened the shelter, which will accommodate young women between the ages 13-20 for periods of up to three months.
Mr Schwarten said the Department of Housing provided funding to purchase land and construct the shelter under its Crisis Accommodation Program.
“The Crisis Accommodation Program provides funds to purchase, construct, upgrade and lease accommodation for people who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, in crisis or in need of transitional support as they move towards independent living,” Mr Schwarten said.
“This aligns with the Bligh Government’s Towards Q2: Tomorrow’s Queensland vision to create a fairer community by supporting safe and caring communities.
“The Government’s commitment to providing housing to those who need it most, through developments and partnerships like this one, certainly aligns with that.”
Ms Nelson-Carr said Anglicare North Queensland would manage the shelter, named St Margaret’s House, with ongoing funding received from the Department of Communities through the Supported Accommodation Assistance Program.
“The Department of Communities provides recurrent funding of $322,170 to Anglicare for the services provided by St Margaret’s House,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“This includes individualised coaching, development and support to assist young women improve their personal and living skills,” she said.
“These skills will go a long way towards increasing their confidence and self esteem, which in turn will help these young women get on with their lives and avoid finding themselves in a similar situation again.”
The Department of Communities also contributed more than $40,000 towards the set up cost of the new building.
Ms Boyle said it was an unfortunate fact that economic and social pressures were forcing more and more people into less than desirable living circumstances.
“There are not many shelters that specifically cater for young women and teenagers who are particularly vulnerable when living rough.
“I am delighted that St Margaret’s House will offer a safe and secure environment for young women in crisis from across Far North Queensland.”
Media contact: Minister Schwarten – Scott Chandler on 0488 096 204
Minister Nelson-Carr – (07) 3235 4280
Ms Boyle – (07) 4051 2868
Housing Minister Robert Schwarten, Communities Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr and Member for Cairns Desley Boyle today officially opened the shelter, which will accommodate young women between the ages 13-20 for periods of up to three months.
Mr Schwarten said the Department of Housing provided funding to purchase land and construct the shelter under its Crisis Accommodation Program.
“The Crisis Accommodation Program provides funds to purchase, construct, upgrade and lease accommodation for people who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, in crisis or in need of transitional support as they move towards independent living,” Mr Schwarten said.
“This aligns with the Bligh Government’s Towards Q2: Tomorrow’s Queensland vision to create a fairer community by supporting safe and caring communities.
“The Government’s commitment to providing housing to those who need it most, through developments and partnerships like this one, certainly aligns with that.”
Ms Nelson-Carr said Anglicare North Queensland would manage the shelter, named St Margaret’s House, with ongoing funding received from the Department of Communities through the Supported Accommodation Assistance Program.
“The Department of Communities provides recurrent funding of $322,170 to Anglicare for the services provided by St Margaret’s House,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“This includes individualised coaching, development and support to assist young women improve their personal and living skills,” she said.
“These skills will go a long way towards increasing their confidence and self esteem, which in turn will help these young women get on with their lives and avoid finding themselves in a similar situation again.”
The Department of Communities also contributed more than $40,000 towards the set up cost of the new building.
Ms Boyle said it was an unfortunate fact that economic and social pressures were forcing more and more people into less than desirable living circumstances.
“There are not many shelters that specifically cater for young women and teenagers who are particularly vulnerable when living rough.
“I am delighted that St Margaret’s House will offer a safe and secure environment for young women in crisis from across Far North Queensland.”
Media contact: Minister Schwarten – Scott Chandler on 0488 096 204
Minister Nelson-Carr – (07) 3235 4280
Ms Boyle – (07) 4051 2868