A three-pronged strategy to prevent homelessness has been launched by the Queensland Government.
Called ‘Opening Doors’, the Strategy for Reducing Homelessness 2011-14 contains three priorities:helping people avoid becoming homeless;helping people get ahead; and working together for stronger services.
The strategy builds on successful government initiatives such as the Youth Housing and Reintegration Services (YHARS) and the Common Ground project in Brisbane’s West End.
Common Ground is based on a concept originally pioneered in New York. An apartment building now under construction will provide supported accommodation for people who are homeless or on the brink of homelessness, as well as affordable homes for low income workers.
The first of its kind in Brisbane, the project will include round the clock on-site management and support, designed to help people end years of living rough.
For more information about the policy go to www.communities.qld.gov.au/housing People at risk of or experiencing homelessness should contact the Homeless Persons Information Queensland on Freecall 1800 47 47 53 (1800 HPIQ) or TTY 1800 010 222
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