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SAAP Conference: Ending homelessness - a vision and a plan
Over 300 people gathered at the Hilton in Brisbane to attend the SAAP Conference, “Ending Homelessness: a vision and a plan” to address the issues of homelessness and housing in Queensland. Keynote speakers included Karen Struthers, Stephen Nash, Nan Roman, Felicity Reynolds, Liz Giles and Hellene Gronda. Held over two days on the 2nd and 3rd September 2009, the Conference brought together representatives from numerous organisations, and through plenary discussion sessions and smaller issue focussed workshops we looked at how the community services sector and Government can implement strategies and action plans to meet the challenges and targets outlined in the Homelessness White Paper – The Road Home.
The plenary panel discussions focused largely on implementing and putting into practice the new approaches to homelessness in Queensland. It was an opportunity to reflect on where we have come from, pre-SAAP, and to discuss the direction in which we are going, and how we are navigating our way on the path to end homelessness. The issue focussed workshops covered a range of topics and provided forums in which questions could be raised and strategies discussed.
In the ‘Exit Points from Homelessness – Accessing Social Housing and the Private Rental Market’ workshop, topics covered were the role of the One Social Housing System, the housing options which are available for young people on the Gold Coast, and the new RentConnect initiative. Robyn Zakharov from the Department of Communities gave an overview of the RentConnect program which has been trialled over the past 12 months in Caboolture and Rockhampton. This new initiative of the Department of Communities aims to provide assistance and advice for individuals and families struggling to enter the private rental market. The assistance offered ranges from practical advice or help in finding suitable properties, filling out application forms and collating the correct documentation, through to the provision of initial financial assistance such as a bond loan. The initiative is essentially aimed at helping people overcome the many non-financial barriers which exist for people attempting to navigate the private rental market. RentConnect has produced such positive results in the two regions where it has been trialled, that the Department plans by the end of 2009 for the initiative to be implemented in a further 12 regions throughout the State. This program aims to assist not only those transitioning into the private rental market, but also those already in it whose tenancies may be coming to an end. Furthermore, it is an important early prevention strategy for individuals or families who may be at risk of experiencing homelessness, and in need of receiving a little extra help.
The “Working across Boundaries – Meeting the Needs of CaLD Clients in SAAP” workshop focused on the needs of people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Concerns raised in the workshop included the lack of flexible and adequate housing and support services available for migrants, refugees and asylum seekers on particular temporary visas in Australia. Barriers to accessible and affordable housing for CaLD clients included language and cultural differences, inherent discrimination for those breaking into the private rental market, a shortage of flexible housing options which can adequately meet the needs of larger families, and the need for initial and ongoing support and education for families about the rights and responsibilities associated with tenancies. Of significant concern is the fact that CaLD clients were not identified as a high priority in the White Paper on Homelessness. The goal of sustaining tenancies was also discussed during the workshop, with tenancy education and advocacy on behalf of CaLD clients being identified as vitally important.
The Conference allowed individuals and organisations the opportunity to raise concerns, actively participate, and be open to challenges on the mission to end homelessness in Australia.
Session notes from the conference can be accessed at http://www.qcoss.org.au/Article.aspx?type=archivedevent&id=4883
Audio from the conference can be found on the Clearing House website or click here for the link.
- Kate Langdon -
