YFS welcomes the Queensland Government’s commitment to funding outreach services for people sleeping rough in Logan.
YFS CEO, Christopher John said, “This funding will provide some really important and immediate support to people who are sleeping rough right now.
“Over the last three years we’ve seen the median rental in Logan go up by more than 50%. That’s about $180 a week more than it was three years ago. This makes housing affordability impossible for many people on low incomes.”
More than 100 people a week are contacting YFS for housing support and emergency accommodation.
YFS is also seeing increasing numbers of people experiencing homelessness and sleeping rough in our parks and public spaces. Many simply can’t afford a private rental because of increasing prices.
Data from the Logan Zero campaign shows that most people sleeping rough are highly vulnerable and need long-term, wrap-around supports.
Through this outreach service YFS will be able to go out to where people are in temporary accommodation and sleeping rough – such as parks, shelters, squats – to provide them with support and link them to the services they need, and ultimately help to secure stable housing if they want it.
The outreach team will work with Council rangers, Department of Housing staff, volunteers and Queensland Health services to make sure people sleeping rough have the best chance of finding a decent home and the other supports they need.
Mr John said, “Logan has some very active, committed organisations and volunteers who support people who are homeless. Together we have been advocating for an outreach service – it is great to see this service up and running.
“The outreach funding will go a great way to providing support to those that are sleeping rough and help them access the support services they need to prevent the trajectory of long-term homelessness.”