News
24 December, 2024
Housing help available for festive season
Queenslanders experiencing or at risk of homelessness are reminded that essential government-funded support services will continue operating through the festive period.
Queenslanders experiencing or at risk of homelessness are reminded that essential government-funded support services will continue operating through the festive period.
Specialist Homelessness Services, the Homelessness Hotline, and 13 GOV will remain available to offer immediate assistance.
The Queensland Government is also providing a 20 per cent increase in funding for Specialist Homelessness Services to meet growing demand, ensuring critical support remains accessible during the holiday season.
Housing Minister Sam O’Connor shared the story of Graham and his family, who were provided with crisis accommodation after living in a tent in a southeast Queensland park. T
he Department's Critical Response Team member, Maree, connected them with partner organisations for ongoing support, allowing Graham to work toward securing stable housing and employment in the new year.
Mr O’Connor highlighted that providing support for vulnerable Queenslanders is a government priority. This includes the ongoing development of social and affordable housing, such as the new homes at Yorkey’s Knob near Cairns.
“People like Edward, who after nearly 20 years rough sleeping, recently became the first tenant to move into one of 18 new social homes at Yorkey’s Knob near Cairns,’’ he said.
Edward has decorated his unit with a collection of pot plants to make it feel like the outdoors he’s always known.
“I’m less comfortable indoors than what I was out there, but I’ve only got one toe left out of 10. I have to go to hospital occasionally, and I can’t walk too far,’’ he said.
“The best thing here though is that I can fall asleep whenever I want.”
For housing support during the holidays, Queenslanders can call the 24-hour Homelessness Hotline at 1800 474 753 or for urgent housing assistance, call 13 QGOV (13 74 68). Housing Service Centres will be closed from December 24, reopening on January 2.
