Regional Homelessness Action Plan

Transcription

1 Regional Homelessness Action Plan Hunter NSW Homelessness Action Plan

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3 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Regional Homelessness Action Plan Overview 3 2. Scope of Regional Homelessness Action Plans 5 3. Hunter Homelessness Profile 9 4. Homelessness Service System Strengths, Gaps and Priorities for Action Priority Areas for Action Actions to Address Priority Areas Hunter Homelessness Action Plan Summary Actions Reporting and Accountability 41 Appendix 1: Workshop attendees 42 The development of Regional Homelessness Actions Plans has been funded by the Australian Government and the NSW Government through the National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness

4 1 REGIONAL HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLANS - OVERVIEW Regional Homelessness Action Plans (RHAP) are the regional implementation mechanism for the NSW Homelessness Action Plan. The NSW Homelessness Action Plan sets the direction for state-wide reform of the homelessness service system to achieve better outcomes for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The NSW Homelessness Action Plan is based around three strategic directions: 1. Preventing homelessness: to ensure that people never become homeless 2. Responding effectively to homelessness: to ensure that people who are homeless do not become entrenched in the system 3. Breaking the cycle: to ensure that people who have been homeless do not become homeless again Consistent with the National Partnership on Homelessness, the NSW Homelessness Action Plan has three headline targets to be achieved by 2013: Actions to address homelessness take account of different forms of homelessness: Primary homelessness. Primary homelessness applies when a person lives on the street, sleeps in parks, squats in derelict buildings, or uses cars or railway carriages for temporary shelter. Secondary homelessness. Secondary homelessness is used to describe people who move frequently from one form of temporary shelter to another. Secondary homelessness applies to people using emergency accommodation, youth refuges or women s refuges, people residing temporarily with relatives or with friends (because they have no accommodation of their own), and people using boarding houses on an occasional or intermittent basis (up to 12 weeks).

5 Tertiary homelessness. Tertiary homelessness is used to describe people who live in premises where they don t have the security of a lease guaranteeing them accommodation, nor access to basic private facilities (such as a private bathroom, kitchen or living space). It can include people living in boarding houses on a medium to long-term basis (more than 13 weeks) or in caravan parks. Through the NSW Homelessness Action Plan and Regional Homelessness Action Plans the NSW Government will realign existing effort, increasing the focus of the service system on prevention and early intervention and long-term accommodation and support. The RHAP should be read in conjunction with: The NSW Homelessness Action Plan Regional Homelessness Action Plan Planning Framework National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness National Partnership on Homelessness NSW Implementation Plan

6 2 SCOPE OF REGIONAL HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLANS The NSW Homelessness Action Plan identifies a number of strategies and actions aimed at implementing reform directions in relation to preventing homelessness and moving responses to homelessness towards a greater emphasis on long term housing with support rather than crisis accommodation. A key aim of Regional Homelessness Action Plans is to translate these reform directions into action at the regional level. Experience suggests that the most effective homelessness plans combine approaches to addressing systemic issues while also supporting place-based initiatives that take account of local homelessness needs. Best practice in the national and international context also suggests that the most effective responses to homelessness involve a collaborative local plan a framework that guides community-wide efforts to prevent homelessness, provide appropriate support to people who become homeless and stop people from re-entering the homeless system. Regional Homelessness Actions Plans have been developed to identify effective ways of working locally to respond to local homelessness issues. Regional Homelessness Actions Plans also include local level implementation mechanisms for State-level policy responses to support reform of the homelessness service system as well as regionally-specific projects that reflect the characteristics of local homelessness, informed by evidence about successful strategies. Regional Homelessness Actions Plans have been developed in the NSW Regional Coordination Program (RCP) regions. There are ten Regional Homelessness Action Plans in NSW, one in each of the nine Regional Coordination Program Regions, with two plans for Western region Riverina/Murray and Western NSW. RHAPs have been developed in: 1. Central Coast 2. Coastal Sydney 3. Greater Western Sydney 4. Hunter 5. Illawarra 6. New England/North West 7. North Coast 8. South East 9. Riverina/Murray 10. Western NSW Regional Homelessness Action Plans cover a four year period,

7 2.1 REGIONAL HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN OBJECTIVES Regional Homelessness Action Plans aim to: 1. Identify actions for implementation at the regional level that reflect the principles and reform directions of the NSW Homelessness Action Plan 2. Ensure that identified actions reflect the particular characteristics of homelessness in the region and build on successful local strategies and partnerships 3. Identify regional projects for funding under the National Partnership on Homelessness for Regional Homelessness Action Plans also aim to play a number of other roles: Supporting the implementation of local priorities and actions Facilitating regional service reform and more integrated service system responses Providing a process to document effective local approaches to add to the evidence base Providing a tool to collect regional homelessness data and descriptions of the service system Building cross sector and cross agency cooperation in responding to homelessness and contributing to raising the profile of homelessness as a central concern for the community 2.2 REGIONAL HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN WORKSHOPS In NSW no one agency is responsible for delivering responses to homelessness, rather a wide range of agencies and services are part of the homelessness service system including: Specialist homelessness services with expertise in providing crisis and ongoing support services to homeless people. Specialist services providing support for people with particular issues such as mental health issues or drug and alcohol issues or disability. Mainstream services used by everyone in the community and provided predominantly by government agencies. To support the regional planning process, representatives from across the homelessness service system were invited to participate in Regional Homelessness Action Planning Workshops. An electronic submission process was also available for stakeholders who were unable to attend workshops. Workshops were held in each of the RCP regions, with two workshops held in Western region. Four Aboriginal specific workshops were held in: 6

8 Coastal Sydney Greater Western Sydney North Coast Western NSW The workshops focused on identifying: priority homelessness target groups in the region issues and gaps in the regional service system within a homelessness reform context existing effective responses and initiatives to homelessness in the region that could be expanded or duplicated key strategic actions and partnerships to support reform directions at the regional level potential projects for funding under years 2 to 4 of the National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness The workshop outcomes and comments received through the submission process were key inputs into the development of the Regional Homelessness Action Plan. Plans will be further refined by Regional Homelessness Committees, over the four year implementation period. 2.3 REGIONAL HOMELESSNESS COMMITTEES Regional Homelessness Committees have been established to support the development and implementation of Regional Homelessness Action Plans. Regional Homelessness Committees will operate for the duration of the NSW Homelessness Action Plan. Regional Homelessness Committees will act as a point of referral for existing local homelessness committees and interagency groups on systemic issues. Local committees and groups will also provide advice and information to Regional Homelessness Committees on local service provision and emerging issues. Regional Homelessness Committees are chaired by Housing NSW and include representation from government, the non-government sector and the broader community. Regional Homelessness Committees will report to the NSW Homelessness Interagency Committee on the implementation of Regional Homelessness Action Plans. This role will include the identification of systemic issues that require consideration and action at regional and central policy levels. The NSW Homelessness Interagency Committee is a State-level multi government agency group chaired by Housing NSW. It includes the key agencies in the Human Services, Justice and Attorney General s, Health, Education and Premier and Cabinet Departments. The Committee reports to the Justice and Human Services Chief Executive Officers Group and is responsible for coordinating the implementation of the NSW Homelessness Action Plan and the National Partnership on Homelessness NSW Implementation Plan. 7

9 Hunter Regional Homelessness Committee The Hunter Regional Homelessness Committee includes representatives from the following agencies and organisations: Organisation Housing NSW Community Housing Division Department of Premier and Cabinet Aging, Disability and Homecare Centrelink Corrective Services Community Services Newcastle City Council Mission Australia Compass Housing Samaritans Baptist Community Services Wesley Mission Maitland Newcastle Catholic Diocese Salvation Army Hunter New England Health Aboriginal Affairs Legal Aid Youth Sector Representative Youth Accommodation Network Women s Sector Representative - NOVA Lake Macquarie City Council Representative Anna Zycki Stephanie Ring Rod Chenhall Jodie Calvert Sharon Webb Christine Salway Susan Mullard Sandra Feltham Lisa O Brien Peter Perriss Cec Shevels Scott Pilgrim Tony Scully Wayne Field Elise Briggs Derene Anderson Delys Brady Ruth Jordon Leanne Mellor Julia Wood Kelly Hansen Stephen McAlister 8

10 3 HUNTER HOMELESSNESS PROFILE 3.1 OVERVIEW The Hunter region consists of 11 LGAs including coastal high population centres as well as inland areas. The LGAs that make up the region are: Cessnock Dungog Gloucester Great Lakes Lake Macquarie Maitland Muswellbrook Newcastle Port Stephens Singleton Upper Hunter At the 2006 Census the Hunter region had a population of 589,239 persons. The 2006 Census counted 1981 persons as homeless in the Hunter (excluding marginal caravan park renters see s 3.2 below). This total included 192 Indigenous people. The Hunter region accounted for 7% of the NSW homeless population in The rate of homelessness in the Hunter in 2006 was 34 per 10,000 persons compared to 42 per 10,000 persons for NSW as a whole. Figure 1 below shows the geographic distribution of homeless households 1 counted in the 2006 Census. Around 42% of homeless households were in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie with smaller numbers in other locations. 1 Housing NSW has prepared estimates of the number of homeless households based on ABS Census 2006 data which aggregates data on the basis of the number of homeless persons. The total number of homeless households is less than the total number of homeless persons. 9

11 Source: Housing NSW estimate of homeless households by LGA based on 2006 Census 3.2 TYPES OF HOMELESSNESS The 2006 Census includes the following categories in the definition of homeless: Improvised dwellings Friends Boarding houses SAAP Sheds, tents, humpies, derelict buildings and people sleeping rough in parks, cars and public places People staying with friends and relatives on a temporary basis, sometimes referred to as couch surfers Single room accommodation without a private bathroom or kitchen or security of tenure Services funded under the Supported Accommodation Assistance Program including emergency shelters, hostels and refuges Figure 2 below shows the distribution of these types of homelessness in the Hunter region at the 2006 Census based on the number of homeless persons in each type. 10

12 Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Counting the Homeless, 2009 Canberra. Data has been aggregated into the RCP Hunter region As shown above, the Hunter has a greater proportion of homeless people staying with friends and family (51%) compared with State averages (40%) and slightly higher proportions of homeless people in improvised dwellings. There were 636 marginal caravan park renters in the Hunter counted in the 2006 Census which was 12% of the total number of marginal renters in NSW. Marginal caravan park residents are defined by the ABS as people renting caravans as their usual address with non one in the household having full time work. Marginal caravan park residents are not generally included in the definition of homeless because of difficulties in distinguishing between people who choose to live in caravans and those who are forced to do so by circumstances. If marginal caravan park renters were included in the definition of homeless, they would account for 24% of homeless people in the Hunter. 2 2 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Counting the Homeless, 2009 Canberra 11

13 3.3 INDIGENOUS HOMELESSNESS AIHW analysis 3 indicates that in 2006, 10% of the Indigenous homeless population were located in the Hunter. The rate of Indigenous homelessness was 120 per 10,000 persons compared to 31 per 10,000 persons for non Indigenous. Indigenous homeless people are much more likely to be in SAAP accommodation. Fifty two percent of Indigenous homeless are in SAAP accommodation compared to 14% for non Indigenous homeless people. 4 Nine per cent of SAAP clients in the Hunter are Indigenous compared to the State average of 17%. 3.4 CHARACTERISTICS OF SAAP CLIENTS About 19% of people defined as homeless use SAAP services. The following tables compare data on SAAP clients in Illawarra with NSW as a whole based on the SAAP National Data Collection June to December It is noted that the data used in the following tables are aggregated according to the Hunter Regional Coordination Program region. Age of SAAP clients Figure 3 below compares the ages of SAAP clients in the Hunter with SAAP clients in NSW as a whole. Hunter has a higher proportion of clients in the 25 and over age bands than the State average. 50% of SAAP clients in the Hunter are aged and 20% are in the age band. Source: SAAP National Data Collection June to December Data has been aggregated into the Hunter RCP region 3 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Counting the Homeless, 2009 Canberra 4 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Counting the Homeless, 2009 Canberra 5 SAAP NDCA data is generally aggregated by Community Services NSW regions. For this plan, data was reaggregated according to Regional Coordination Program (RCP) regions. 12

14 Household composition of SAAP clients Figure 4 below compares the household composition of SAAP clients in Hunter with SAAP clients for NSW as a whole. As shown below, Hunter has a higher proportion of single females (37%) and single females with children (20%) than state averages (33% and 19%) and a lower proportion of other household types including single males (at 36% for Hunter compared to state average of 42%). Source: SAAP National Data Collection June to December Data has been aggregated into the Hunter RCP region Main reason for seeking SAAP assistance Figure 5 below shows the main reasons for seeking SAAP assistance in the Hunter compared to NSW as whole. As shown, seeking assistance due to domestic violence and financial difficulty were cited as the main reason for seeking assistance by SAAP clients in the Hunter. The proportion of clients seeking assistance due to domestic violence was 22% compared to 15% for NSW as a whole. 13

15 FIGURE 5: TOP 5 REASONS FOR SEEKING SAAP ASSISTANCE HUNTER Source: SAAP National Data Collection 2008/09. Data has been aggregated into the Hunter RCP region Length of support period by SAAP services Compared to State averages, SAAP clients in the Hunter generally use SAAP services for shorter periods, typically for less than 4 weeks. Thirty per cent of Hunter SAAP clients use SAAP services for 1 to 2 weeks compared to 9% for NSW as a whole as shown in Figure 6 below. Source: SAAP National Data Collection June to December Data has been aggregated into the Hunter RCP region 14

16 Length of SAAP accommodation 6 SAAP clients in the Hunter generally use accommodation for longer periods than the state average. Nineteen per cent use accommodation for 1 to 2 weeks compared to the state average of 9% as shown in Figure 7 below. Source: SAAP National Data Collection June to December Data has been aggregated into the Hunter RCP region 6 Based on closed support periods 15

17 4 HOMELESSNESS SERVICE SYSTEM STRENGTHS, GAPS AND PRIORITIES FOR ACTION The Hunter regional homelessness workshop was attended by over 40 representatives from local agencies and services with a role to play in preventing and responding to homelessness. A list of organisations and agencies represented is included at Appendix 1. The workshop identified key target groups as well as the role of local and state-wide responses to homelessness as outlined below. 4.1 TARGET GROUPS A number of target groups were identified through the workshop process. Target groups reflected groups with high demand for services as well as groups who were harder to reach or where service system gaps prevented effective responses to homelessness. Target groups identified included: Rough sleepers Couch surfers Indigenous homeless Single females and females with children who are homeless People at risk of homelessness through termination of tenancy Tenants with complex needs 4.2 LOCAL RESPONSES TO HOMELESSNESS Local responses to homelessness include a range of SAAP funded projects as well as initiatives focused on strengthening service relationships and improved service coordination. These projects and initiatives are outlined below. State wide initiatives that have local benefits in relation to homelessness are also outlined. Overview of Hunter SAAP funded projects There are currently 31 SAAP funded projects in the Hunter Region. The distribution of SAAP services according to target group is shown in the table below. 16

18 Distribution of SAAP funded projects according to Target Group in Hunter Region Target group No % Women and women with children escaping domestic violence, women who are homeless or at risk of homelessness Young people Single men 3 10 Cross target including families and individuals 3 10 TOTAL % NB: The percentages shown above relate to the number of projects not the distribution of funding to target groups Source: Community Services NSW, SAAP funded services have been aggregated into the Hunter RCP region Service responses to homelessness The following service delivery models were identified during the workshop as providing effective local responses to homelessness: Drop in Services There are a number of services within the Hunter that provide a drop-in facility for homeless people in Newcastle. Their services include the provision of meals, showers, clothes washing, clothing and welfare assistance, counselling services, referrals, and advocacy services. Drop-in is an initial point of contact, which can meet homeless people s basic and immediate needs and also be a link to more intensive and planned support work and/or intervention Accommodation Support People at risk of homelessness are supported within either private rental or social housing properties. Services provide support, including but not limited to case management, advocacy, referral, information and/or short term accommodation to single adults and a small number of families who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness and who have complex support needs. A detailed assessment is undertaken to ascertain individual levels of independence and support needs. Support is tailored to each individual. Successful early intervention projects include Supported Tenancy Projects with Housing NSW and Compass Housing where support is provided to those with at risk tenancies who have been referred by their housing provider. Street Outreach Services Assertive outreach provides services to rough sleepers in Newcastle. The services operate after dark and provide practical care, including tea and coffee, clothing, blankets, toiletries and food parcels, as well as a listening ear and advocacy and referral services. Outreach workers provide information about available services, access to emergency accommodation, food and other essentials, as well as follow-up support to address housing, drug use, health, income support and any other issues affecting people on the streets Hunter Homeless Connect Homeless Connect is a one stop shop model of service provision to the homeless and those at risk of homelessness. The model was developed in San Francisco in 2004 and now operates in over 170 cities internationally, including several cities in Australia. Homeless Connect links marginalised individuals with services such as accommodation and housing, health and wellbeing, legal and financial assistance, employment, study, and family support in an environment that maintains dignity, fosters a culture of connectedness, and encourages a sense of being a valued member of the community. 17

19 Caravan Support Model Caravan support models provide support to permanent residents of caravan parks and manufactured home villages. The service provides home visiting to isolated residents; facilitates social activities for children and adults; provides information and referral to caravan park managers, residents and service providers; encourages events that help build a sense of community; and promotes community education and well-being to residents who may be at risk of homelessness. Hunter Domestic Violence Related Services There are a number of domestic violence services within the Hunter that provide support and referrals to clients in obtaining short or long term accommodation. Many services focus on early intervention programs that provide information and support to people experiencing DV before they become homeless. There is a focus on working toward keeping clients safely housed. Legal Aid homelessness outreach clinics Legal Aid NSW runs weekly legal outreach clinics at Wesley Mission (McKenzie Centre) in Newcastle West and Samaritans (Brunker Road office) Broadmeadow and monthly clinics at Samaritans in Cessnock, Cessnock Correctional Centre and at All Saint Church at Nelson Bay. In conjunction with these Homeless Outreach clinics, Legal Aid NSW, in collaboration with the Public Interest Advocacy Centre will run three training courses, to be held in late 2010, and early 2011, providing training for frontline and community workers about common legal issues for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and processes for referring clients to appropriate legal services. Interagencies and networks Interagency meetings and networks identified through the workshop include: The Newcastle Hunter Homelessness Interagency Network (NHHIN). Membership consists of housing providers, accommodation/support workers, government departments, planners, welfare and community service providers, and other interested community members. The NHHIN seeks to strategically address homelessness in Newcastle and the Hunter via collaborative community action. The Youth Accommodation Network (YAN) is a collection of youth homelessness and interested community services from the Hunter coming together to be informed and educated regarded homelessness impacts, issues and services aimed at young people. The meeting focuses on informing attendees of new practices, updates on service provision and developing collaborative work practices. There are many interagency networks that operate across the Hunter that from time to time, address the issue of homelessness. 18

20 4.3 STATE WIDE PROGRAMS AND PARTNERSHIPS Accommodation and support The NSW Housing and Human Services Accord Agreement The NSW Housing and Human Services Accord Agreement was developed as a shared policy commitment by NSW Housing and NSW Human Services Agencies to help mutual clients with complex needs to live independently and maintain their tenancies including people with disabilities, people with mental health problems and vulnerable families needing access to secure housing. The Housing and Accommodation Support Initiative (HASI) HASI is a partnership program funded by the NSW Government that facilitates stable housing linked to specialist support for people with mental illness. HASI was identified by workshop participants as a model that represented an effective cross-agency response that could potentially be expanded locally. Joint Guarantee of Service (JGOS) JGOS is a partnership program where local committees of key service providers work together to address the housing and support needs of people with mental health problems and disorders living in, or applying for, social housing. Housing NSW Temporary Accommodation The Temporary Accommodation program provides short term accommodation in low cost hotels, motels and caravan parks for people who are experiencing a housing crisis. Private Rental Brokerage Service (PRBS) and Tenancy Guarantee The Private Rental Brokerage Service helps people who have support arrangements in place, to find and sustain accommodation in the private rental market. People who have a physical or mental illness, drug or alcohol problems, a physical or intellectual disability or other complex needs may be eligible for this service. The Tenancy Guarantee is a surety issued to agents/landlords against damage or arrears to encourage them to grant tenancies to people who might otherwise be denied access to the private rental market. National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS) The National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS) is an Australian Government initiative to stimulate the supply of new affordable rental dwellings by up to by June Subsidies will be used to increase the supply of affordable rental dwellings. Dwellings will be rented for 20% below market rents. Centrelink Community Engagement Officers Centrelink Community Engagement Officers (CCEOs) deliver Centrelink services to customers who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, in a variety of locations outside of the traditional Centrelink Customer Service Centre environment. They provide out-servicing to community agencies, in order to service those customers with barriers preventing them from accessing mainstream Centrelink services and require alternative approaches. CCEOs offer a reliable and effective means of ensuring that customers who are homeless or at risk of homelessness have access to the income support and other services provided by Centrelink. 19

21 Reconnect FAHCSIA funds 32 Reconnect services in NSW with an estimated capacity to assist around 1,500 young each year. Reconnect is an early intervention service that works with young people (12 to 18 years) who are at risk of becoming homeless or are experiencing homelessness, and their families. Reconnect provides intensive casework and group work services to young people and families. Personal Helper & Mentors Programs (PHAMS) FAHCSIA funds 21 PHAMS which assist people over 16 years with mental health problems to live in the community and include homeless or at risk of homelessness as a priority group. Tenancy Advice & Advocacy Program NSW Fair Trading funds the state wide Tenancy Advice & Advocacy Program including an office in Newcastle. An Aboriginal-specific TAAP service is also based in Newcastle. A Place to Call Home A Place to Call Home is a joint initiative by the Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments which assists homeless people to move directly into permanent housing. They receive tenancy and other support services for the first 12 months to help them address the issues that led to homelessness, and reintegrate with the broader community. Assistance with Care and Housing for the Aged (ACHA) The Assistance with Care and Housing for the Aged (ACHA) program is a Commonwealth initiative designed to help frail, low income older people who are renting in insecure housing or who are homeless, to remain in the community. The program provides support to clients to access the right kind of housing and community care specific to their needs. Homelessness Prevention The Anti Social Behaviour Program (ASBP) The ASBP Project is intended to improve case coordination across ASBP Participating Agencies and management of complex cases and crisis cases involving children, young people and families. This Program was seen to represent a successful model for effective cross-sector collaboration. Keep Them Safe Keep Them Safe is a five-year cross agency Action Plan that aims to re-shape the way family and community services are delivered in NSW to improve the safety, welfare and wellbeing of children and young people. Keep Them Safe includes actions to enhance the universal service system, improve early intervention services, better protect children at risk, support Aboriginal children and families, and strengthen partnerships with non-government organisations (NGOs) in the delivery of community services. Strategies and protocols put in place at the local level as part of Keep Them Safe were seen by workshop participants as successful in strengthening joint planning and collaborative responses. 20

22 Financial assistance Crisis Payments available through Centrelink Crisis Payments assist people experiencing severe financial hardship because of extreme circumstance such as domestic violence or a natural disaster, release from gaol or psychiatric confinement, or new arrivals to Australia on a qualifying humanitarian visa. Rentstart (Housing NSW) Rentstart provides financial assistance for people who have found private rental accommodation but need financial assistance to meet bond payments and in some cases, advance rent. Commonwealth Rent Assistance Rent Assistance provides eligible people with additional money to assist in paying private rental. Transition to Independent Living Allowance (TILA) TILA is one-off practical support from the Australian Government to assist eligible young people who are making the transition from formal and informal care to independent living. Getting It Together Scheme (GITS) GITS provides funding to young people aged 18 years and under with alcohol and/or drug misuse problems. Brokerage funding through Community Services NSW may be utilised for clothing, education, material aid, health/medical services, meals, rent in advance, rental bond, therapeutic services and transport. 4.4 SERVICE SYSTEM ISSUES AND GAPS The regional homelessness workshop and submission process identified the following homelessness service system issues and gaps: Service Coordination Improved referral process between agencies and better understanding of the sector are necessary so that services are aware of the range of services available to clients. There is currently no effective mechanism to ensure those directly affected have a voice in influencing the local service system and contributing to better service coordination. There is an overlap of some services due to a lack of communication between service providers. Niche funding provided to organisations to run programs acts against organisations working together. 21

23 Data and Evidence Data collection and systems to support evidence base practice needs to be improved. Currently there is a lack of uniformity in the type of data available. Data collected within the SAAP funding framework does not capture those at risk of homelessness. Currently little data is captured on the number of homeless clients on waiting lists for services or on the turn away rates from emergency accommodation. Access to Affordable Housing The Hunter is experiencing a shortage of housing stock for crisis accommodation particularly for families. Often families are separated with women and young children being accommodated in refuges, while men and older male children are accommodated in hostels. Workshop participants identified shortfalls in the availability and accessibility of affordable and appropriate housing in the Hunter region. It was noted that the Upper Hunter area is experiencing inflated rents due to housing demand from mining industry workers. Transport is a significant issue for people trying to access affordable housing, particularly in areas outside of Newcastle and Lake Macquarie. Within the Hunter Valley there are a number of external pressures affecting housing affordability, including but not limited to the growth in the mining industry. Tenants in affordable private rentals at risk of not having their leases renewed, to make way for mine workers. Preventing Homelessness Workshop participants expressed concerns over an under-resourced client support system and clients that are lacking the basic knowledge and skills to maintain tenancies. More services are needed to help people sustain their tenancy including access to living skills training, financial management, understanding of legal rights and responsibilities, preparation for renting in the private rental market and services providing support to people with mental illness. Appropriate supported long-term housing was identified as critical in preventing homelessness for those exiting institutions. Tenancy advocacy services were seen as playing a significant role in the prevention of homelessness. 22

24 Youth Homelessness In some cases the behaviour of young homeless people prevents them from acceptance by refuges. Alternatives such as therapeutic foster care should be investigated. The Newcastle Youth Information and Referrals Service provides one-stop information and referrals to young people on education, government services and health while maintaining connections with previous case coordinators or support workers. This service could potentially be expanded. Mental Illness and/or Drug and Alcohol A variety of responses and different models are needed to respond to people with mental illness and/or drug and alcohol who may be at risk of homelessness. Resourcing for wrap around support services would be beneficial for complex needs clients as they seek and maintain tenancies in either social or private housing. Aboriginal People There is a need for supported tenancies for Aboriginal people, providing access to services and promoting the availability of housing products and services. The size and configuration of family groupings are factors that need to be considered when providing accommodation. There is a need for culturally sensitive services for Aboriginal families, particularly those experiencing domestic violence. Financial Management There is an increasing demand for financial management services in the Hunter. The Hunter is experiencing a change from lower to middle class families requiring financial management assistance. This is attributed to the emerging pressures on affordability of housing and middle class families now acquiring the accommodation that previously would have housed lower income families. 23

25 5 PRIORITY AREAS FOR ACTION The Regional Homelessness Action Plan Workshop identified the following four priorities for the Hunter RHAP : Improving access to affordable housing and responding to different needs Preventing homelessness Connected service system Data collection and evaluation: Building the evidence base 5.1 BREAKING THE CYCLE: IMPROVING ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND RESPONDING TO DIFFERENT NEEDS Housing makes a difference - What the research says According to AHURI research 7, programs to assist homeless people including providing appropriate housing, can result in direct cost-savings to government and provide broader benefits to the individual and the community. Providing long-term permanent housing has been found to have greater success than transitional models in achieving sustainable outcomes in ending the homelessness cycle. There is also evidence that people who are homeless are at greater risk of developing drug and alcohol dependence. NSW Initiatives to improve access to housing include: Increase capital investment for new housing supply Provision of rental subsidy for women escaping domestic and family violence Increased provision of temporary accommodation Increased provision of special assistance subsidy Increased provision of RentStart 5.2 PREVENTING HOMELESSNESS The NSW Homelessness Action Plan commits to implementing measures to prevent homelessness through strategies and programs aimed at: Assisting those at risk of homelessness due to eviction Transitioning and maintaining people exiting care, correctional and health facilities into long term accommodation 7 Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute Evidence to inform NSW homelessness action priorities ,

26 Providing safe, appropriate long-term accommodation and/or support to people experiencing domestic and family violence, relationship and family breakdown and at key transition points. Preventing homelessness - what the research says According to the AHURI research: Homeless people make more use of emergency services (including shelters, hospitals and justice) than the mainstream population Long-term chronic use of emergency services (including emergency housing) is often more expensive to government and society than providing integrated housing and support. Experiencing homelessness under the age of 18 is a significant risk factor for long term homelessness Assertive school welfare programs with strong links to community agencies can help prevent homelessness in school children Key prevention mechanisms include: Involving mainstream agencies, Understanding risk factors and danger signs, Coordinating government, non-government and emergency agencies in providing housing and support. 5.3 CONNECTED SERVICE SYSTEM Workshop participants considered there was a need for improved coordination and collaboration between mainstream agencies, specialist homelessness agencies and specialist services in the region to improve outcomes for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Connected service system - what the research says Coordination of government, non-government and emergency agencies in providing housing and support is a key prevention mechanism Multi-disciplinary case management teams are effective and cost-effective Better coordination between drug and alcohol treatment services and residential rehabilitation or other housing options could improve outcomes Individualised, responsive, flexible support with a comprehensive focus facilitated by brokerage funds allows case managers to address the full range of issues faced by clients 25

27 5.4 DATA COLLECTION AND EVALUATION: BUILDING THE EVIDENCE BASE Building the evidence base - what the research says According to the AHURI research: Qualitative, ethnographic methods including longitudinal studies lead to an understanding of people s strategies, resources and processes of recovery from homelessness, Increased methodological rigor in program evaluations would aim in assessing the real impact on client outcomes over time, and identify the mechanisms of effective practice and the contexts which facilitate better outcomes. The NSW Homelessness Action Plan commits to improving responses to homelessness and further developing our understanding of what works by: 1. Implementing a data development agenda and data collection strategy to assess and measure interventions and outcomes 2. Undertaking collaborative research that leads to best-practice models 3. Mapping and disseminating best practice. 26

28 6 ACTIONS TO ADDRESS PRIORITY ISSUES Actions under this plan focus on the four priority areas: Breaking the cycle: Improving access to affordable housing and responding to different needs Preventing homelessness Connected service system Data collection and evaluation: Building the evidence base 6.1 BREAKING THE CYCLE: IMPROVING ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND RESPONDING TO DIFFERENT NEEDS Key actions to support breaking the cycle of homelessness in the Hunter are the projects funded under the National Partnership on Homelessness: Assertive Outreach to Rough Sleepers Hunter Integrated Response to Homelessness and Domestic Violence for Women (HIR) and Start Safely Subsidy Assertive Outreach to Rough Sleepers The Assertive Outreach Project is a joint project with Housing NSW, HNE Health and Legal Aid which aims to: Provide an assertive outreach service which is consistent with a Housing First approach to rough sleepers with complex needs who are chronically homeless in the Newcastle region Transition rough sleepers into long-term stable accommodation as quickly as possible. Reduce the overall numbers of rough sleepers and chronically homeless (primary homeless) in the Newcastle region. Provide generalist, medical and legal case management and support to rough sleepers in Newcastle. Provide wrap around support, case management and services once the client is housed with the aim of transitioning generalist, medical and legal support Provide outreach support services to rough sleepers who initially refuse the transition into stable accommodation. It is estimated that the project will assist 440 clients per annum. 27

29 Hunter Integrated Response to Homelessness and Domestic Violence for Women (HIR) and Start Safely Subsidy The HIR program provides integrated support for women with or without accompanying children who have recently experienced domestic and family violence and are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Community Services and Housing NSW are the partner agencies. The package includes case management support for a period of between 6 and 12 months by an appropriate service such as family support, women s refuge outreach service or a women s accommodation service. A worker from the service provides support to assist clients sustain a stable tenancy. This component will assist 30 families per annum. The Start Safely subsidy provides short to medium term financial help women with children escaping domestic violence to secure and maintain private rental accommodation. This component will assist over 100 individuals per annum. 6.2 PREVENTING HOMELESSNESS A key action focused on prevention and early intervention in the Hunter funded under the National Partnership on Homelessness 8 is: Early intervention support for people at risk of homelessness SAAP NDCA data indicates that a significant proportion of homeless people in the Hunter region are homeless due to experiencing financial difficulty and eviction from long term accommodation. This project will provide early intervention support, using a brokerage model, to families and individuals who are at risk of homelessness and need assistance in maintaining a tenancy in the Hunter region. Support will include financial counselling and assistance, linkages to mainstream services and linkages to health services including mental health and drug and alcohol services. The initiative will assist in the reform of the homelessness service system in the region by supporting the shift by homelessness specialist and other services from focusing on a crisis response to supporting families and individuals at risk of homelessness. Estimated client numbers: 40 per annum Other projects to prevent homelessness Intensive Support for Families at Risk of Homelessness Under the Intensive Support for Families at Risk of Homelessness project, families who are at risk of homelessness because they are unable to pay their rent or mortgage will be supported through services including budgeting, financial counselling, housing and employment services. Project is to be delivered by Samaritans. While not a National Partnership on Homelessness project, the project will support the objectives of the National Partnership through its focus on preventing homelessness. 8 National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness NSW Implementation Plan , Years

30 Additional Areas for Action Expand the current Supported Tenancy project, run by Mission Aust/HNSW, or similar project beyond public and social housing to private rental housing. Develop a targeted education campaign focusing on how to maintain a tenancy to be delivered through schools and youth refuges. The Premier s Roadshow could be investigated as a potential means of delivery. The extent of homelessness or potential homelessness for people leaving institutions in the Hunter needs to be analysed to identify areas of most need. Better transitional accommodation is necessary to allow for suitable long term accommodation to be secured. Investigate options to extend the Staying Home Leaving Violence project in the Hunter. For Indigenous families investigate options to provide community based safe houses for women and cooling off centres for men Coordinate discharge planning prior to an institutional exit to ensure that housing needs are considered and options explored, having regard to policies and protocols on discharge planning being undertaken at a central level Improve coordination between specialist homeless services and Temporary Accommodation Determine reasons why people in the Hunter are becoming homeless and work towards prevention 6.3 CONNECTED SERVICE SYSTEM Areas for Action Greater networking and collaboration between relevant service providers is required. Establish formal linkages and information sharing arrangements between the Regional Homelessness Committee and local homelessness services Funding to NGOs needs to have flexibility to assist clients with multiple needs Continue to strengthen the homelessness service system through interagency networking, improved referral processes and sharing of relevant data and research Use brokerage funding to deliver appropriate, flexible and coordinated services to people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness Provide short-term information sessions for workers in services and worker exchange programs Develop cross sector training and development approaches to improve identification of people at risk of, or experiencing homelessness Create complex needs assessment model and gain sector acceptance/agreement of each others assessment process 29

31 Develop universal client consent forms to support improved referral practises and integrated service delivery between specialist homelessness and mainstream services. 6.4 DATA COLLECTION AND EVALUATION: BUILDING THE EVIDENCE BASE Areas for Action Designate a lead agency to coordinate the collection of data from government departments and NGO s directly and indirectly servicing the needs of homeless people, to create an accurate profile of homelessness in the region together with a comprehensive service directory. Audit existing data collection across NGO s and the government sector. Shortlist gaps and overlaps in data collection to provide clarity about the type of information to be collected and how that information is to be used. Agree on standardised homelessness definitions, indicators and reporting requirements across the region. Establish linkage with the spatial data project being undertaken by the Centre for Urban and Regional Studies, University of Newcastle. The spatial data project provides data such as indicators of levels of vulnerability. 30

32 7 HUNTER REGIONAL HOMELSSNESS ACTION PLAN This section summarises agreed actions for priority areas to be implemented over the four year period to A number of actions are in addition to or build on those identified in the NSW Homelessness Action Plan. It is noted that the agreed actions are an initial response to the issues identified in this Plan. Actions will be further developed and refined over time. Priority Focus Area (1): Breaking the Cycle: Improving Access to Affordable Housing and Responding to Different Needs NSW Priorities Increase and upgrade the supply of affordable and social housing Transition people who are homeless to appropriate long-term accommodation Provide models of accommodation with support that are suitable for different target groups Action Lead Agency Partners 1.1 Newcastle Assertive Outreach (National Partnership on Homelessness project) The Assertive Outreach Project is a joint project to assist rough sleepers with complex needs who are chronically homeless in the Newcastle region and transition them into long-term stable accommodation as quickly as possible. Estimated client numbers: 440 per annum 9 HNE Health Housing NSW Legal Aid Milestones 6 months 1 year 3 years Project Monitor Evaluate implementation implementation effectiveness of project 9 For National Partnership on Homelessness projects, the number of clients refers to the number to be assisted at any one time based on a full 12 months of operation

33 1.2 Hunter Integrated Response to Homelessness and Domestic Violence for Women (HIR) and Start Safely Subsidy (National Partnership on Homelessness project). The HIR program provides integrated support for women with or without accompanying children who have recently experienced domestic and family violence and are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Case management and brokerage support will be provided to 30 families per annum and the Start Safely private rental subsidy to 100 individuals per annum. Community Services Housing NSW NOVA Women s Accommodation and Housing. Compass Housing Services Project implementation Monitor implementation Evaluate effectiveness of project 1.3 This Way Home This Way Home project targets people who have been chronically homeless including people who have been long-term rough sleepers and those families excluded from mainstream crisis housing options with a focus on breaking the cycle of homelessness permanently. Housing NSW has committed a site at 52 to 56 Bull St Mayfield which is suitable for conversion to 24 units of accommodation and up to eight units of temporary accommodation. Newcastle City Councils Building Better Cities has approved a grant to convert the site ($1.6m capital costs) and for establishment costs including, establishment of the support component of the project, employment of a project manager and the evaluation of the project ($400,000). Housing NSW Compass Housing Services Mission Australia Samaritans Baptist Community Services The Salvation Army Housing NSW Newcastle City Council Department of Premier and Cabinet Community Services Wesley Mission Centrelink Hunter New England Health Department of Corrective Develop project specifications Identify service providers Project implementation Evaluate effectiveness of project 32