Three service providers to deliver new crisis accommodation pilot program

• Crisis accommodation pilot model to assist victim-survivors experiencing Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence (DFSV).
• Specialist teams to deliver one-on-one assistance including brokerage funds.
• Pilot program to be rolled-out in Toowoomba, Brisbane and Moreton Bay

The Miles Government has appointed three service providers to deliver a pilot program to help support victim-survivors experiencing, or at risk of homelessness because of domestic, family and sexual violence.

The Housing Connectors program includes nine specialist workers, working in teams of three, that will be embedded at three South East Queensland locations – Toowoomba, Brisbane and Moreton Bay.

These regions have been chosen following consultation with the Department of Housing on data indicating unmet demand in the area and local sector capacity.

This Housing Pilot was made possible by funding from the Federal Government. The Housing Connectors initiative is part of the Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence Responses 2021-27 National Partnership Agreement (NPA) and will receive $4.95m in funding from 2023-2026.

The Domestic Violence Action Centre will deliver services in Toowoomba, while Micah Projects will supply services in Brisbane and Kyabra has been contracted for the Moreton Bay region.

All three suppliers are already providing services for persons who fear or experience DFSV.

The Housing Connectors will work with the victim-survivors in a one-on-one capacity to manage their safety and assist them to navigate the housing and human services systems.

They will assist with locating suitable and sustainable housing and support referrals.

The teams will be embedded within DFSV services and work with government and local agencies – including disability services, First Nations health services, settlement/immigration services, mental health and alcohol and other drug services, employment and training services.

They will assist victim-survivors to maintain or establish housing, including transitioning any existing supports or services to a new location if required.

Each Housing Connector role will have access to brokerage funds, as part of an integrated service response and will be a vital resource for victim-survivors.

The initiative will be reviewed in 2024 to examine outcomes and shape any future policy and planning.

Quotes attributable to the Federal Minister for Social Services, Amanda Rishworth:

“All victim-survivors should be able to access a safe space. No one should have to choose between their home and their safety.

“Domestic and family violence is the main reason women and children leave their homes in Australia and is the leading cause of homelessness for children.

“The Albanese Labor Government is committed to ending violence against women and children and ensuring they have a safe place to go when escaping violence, and this investment is proof of this commitment.”

Quotes attributable to the Federal Assistant Minister for Social Services, and the Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, Justine Elliot:

 “This vital pilot program will provide trauma-informed support to break the cycles of abuse and empower victim-survivors to rebuild their lives.

“The National Partnership facilitates initiatives such as these to support the long-term recovery and healing that victim-survivors deserve.”

Quotes attributable to the Attorney-General, Minister for Justice and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Yvette D’Ath:

“When women and families flee a violent situation, they typically leave with just the clothes on their back.

“Safe and secure housing is key to rebuilding their lives, which is why this pilot program is important.

“This program will provide valuable hands-on support for women to assist them to find expedited housing outcomes as well as support referrals to other services and medium to long-term accommodation solutions.

“We know there is unprecedented pressure on the housing market which is why it is important we find innovative solutions to support Queenslanders experiencing domestic and family violence to find safe and sustainable housing.

“We are absolutely committed to ensuring the safety of Queensland women and families, and I’m pleased to see the rollout of this new program in the regions that need it most.”

Quotes attributable to Housing Minister, Meaghan Scanlon:

“Safety for women and families escaping domestic violence includes having a place to call home.

“We are continuing to support the needs of our most vulnerable through our Homes for Queenslanders plan boosting funding for frontline services, our social housing build and rental support package.

“This pilot is another program that will bolster the support for victim-survivors when it comes to housing and starting that next chapter in their lives.”

 Further information:

The model will specifically assist victim-survivors with a disability, mental illness, problematic alcohol and other drug use, or those who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, are culturally and linguistically diverse, or LGBTQIA+.

The initiative will build on the success and lessons from projects with similar intent, including the YFS Thriving Families Project and the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence Housing First approach.

ENDS