Micah Projects Inc received national recognition for its programs at the Brisbane Homelessness Services Centre and its Homeless to Home program which were acknowledged as among the best practice models in the Green Paper.
Homelessness to Home—Micah Projects, Queensland
A National Homelessness Strategy demonstration project, ‘Homelessness to Home’ used intensive case management to provide families who are homelessness or at risk of homelessness with affordable, secure housing. The project also offered ‘wrap around’ support services designed to help families:
- access appropriate services
- maintain tenancies
- engage in education and employment services
- improve family relationships
- achieve self-management
- increase participation in community life.
The project involved 44 families in the 10 month project (from June 2006 to April 2007). An evaluation found that many families experienced increased stability in housing—13 families remained in their accommodation, and seven families who had been homeless got into stable housing. Families also reported that the project had increased their access and knowledge of support
Brisbane Homeless Service Centre, Queensland
The Brisbane Homeless Service Centre is a one stop shop for people who are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness. As one of the dedicated homelessness ‘hubs’ in Brisbane, it brings together five permanent organisations and has space and support for several other specialist organisations who visit regularly.
The permanent organisations are
- Micah Homelessness Projects,
- Centacare,
- St Luke's Nursing,
- Brisbane Boarders Ltd
- Murri Watch.
Extra services include bulk-billing doctors, a Queensland Homeless Persons Legal Clinic, and access to Centrelink homeless outreach services. The project aims to provide a
single entry point for a diverse range of homelessness services and to reduce overheads by
using a single assessment tool and directly referring customers to the most appropriate organisations for assistance.>br>
Early intervention and prevention of homelessness gets better results. The most effective homelessness services are those that complement crisis accommodation and support with a long-term plan for clients to achieve greater engagement in the community and eventual self-reliance. This includes strategies to address the fundamental sources of disadvantage, reduce risk factors, as well as strategies to catch people before they fall into homelessness. It also includes programs to prevent homelessness becoming an inter-generational cycle.
The Green Paper aims to promote public discussion on homelessness, highlight the challenges faced by people who are homeless and suggest ways forward.
The web address below will provide you with access to
- Video message for the release of the Green Paper - Minister for Housing, Tanya Plibersek
- 'Which Way Home? A New Approach to Homelessness' - full report - PDF [648kB]
- 'Which Way Home? A New Approach toHomelessness' - Summary - PDF [269kB]
- 'Which Way Home? A New Approach to Homelessness' - postcard - PDF [1.1MB]
You will also find informaion about submissions and community consultations on the site.
