Highlighting Homelessness Prevention Week from 3-9 August, Stuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith said today that the Nepean Blue Mountains will receive funding of $7.7 million this year for specialist homelessness services to assist people who have become homeless as well as prevent people in the local community from being homeless.
“This week reminds us to think about what we can do as a community to help people without a home and help prevent further homelessness in the community,” Stuart Ayres.
“I encourage everyone in our community to get behind Homelessness Prevention Week, which aims to raise community awareness and understanding of homelessness, and help prevent people from experiencing homelessness.
“The NSW Government has acknowledged the challenge faced by people who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness and statewide funding for homelessness services in 2015-16 will assist around 54,000 people.”
Stuart Ayres said the Nepean Blue Mountains is sharing in the NSW Government’s record investment of $182 million in 2015-16 to deliver specialist homelessness services throughout the state.
“The NSW Government is supporting a number of local initiatives that reach into the heart of the community to help homeless people and those at risk of homelessness,” Stuart Ayres said.
“But whether it is helping with food, clothing or shelter – there is much more work to be done.
Current Nepean Blue Mountains initiatives include:
- Specialist Homelessness Services in the Nepean Blue Mountains have launched ‘The Right Door’, a free call number that provides access to all specialist homelessness services in the Lithgow, Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury and Penrith local government areas, operating within business hours. This number enables those seeking assistance to talk directly to the local service that best meets their needs.
- Platform Youth Services Inc. offers a 24/7 Health and Wellbeing Information and Referral Service for young people at risk of or experiencing homelessness. Young people can access the service via 24/7 phone and email contact.
“A safe home is fundamental to our well-being, but tens of thousands of people in NSW will be without that safety tonight.
“The NSW Government’s reforms of specialist homelessness services are designed to make it easier for people to access services when they need,” Stuart Ayres said.
To find out more about Homelessness Prevention Week visit: http://www.homelessnessaustralia.org.au/index.php/events/hpw/hpw-2015
