[Greens-Media] People without homes shouldn't be without hope.

[Bronwen Regan]

People without homes shouldn't be without hope.
 
The NSW Greens spokesperson for Housing and Homelessness, Jan Barham
MLC, is calling on the State Government to demonstrate their commitment
to people across the State who find themselves homeless.
 
The call comes as National Homeless Person's week is marked across the
country.
 
"This week we will be reminded that approximately 30,000 people in NSW
are considered homeless" said Jan Barham. "That's 30,000 people spending
tonight without a bed and without a home."
 
"The reality is that people find themselves in this position for a
whole host of reasons – they may have been rejected from their family
home, have mental health issues,  be fleeing domestic violence or
dealing with addiction or they may just suddenly find themselves in
financial trouble, unable to cope with the increasing cost of living."
 
"Whatever the reason for someone becoming homeless, it's up to all of
us as a responsible and caring society to ensure there is support and
help available. I am presenting a motion to the Parliament seeking a
Government commitment to increase the delivery of support for these
vulnerable people."
 
The motion will be presented when Parliament resumes next week, calling
for a range of initiatives including that:              
·         the Premier's Advisory Council on Homelessness be retained
and meet regularly;
·         all Councils to have a nominated staff member responsible for
ensuring their Council adheres to the Homeless Persons Protocol;
·         all Councils to be required to report on local initiatives
for addressing homelessness in their Local Government Area in their
Annual Report;
·         the 10 Regional Homeless Action Plans developed in July 2010
be reviewed;
·         the balance of funds from the NSW allocation under the
2009-10 National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness be identified 
for a funding program to support local government to meet the needs of
homeless people;
 
"I believe there is a stronger role for local councils to play in the
provision of services" said Jan. "They know the local problems and they
know the local solutions. I'm encouraging the State to work more closely
with local government  to allow them to be part of the solution, working
with non government organisations – but only with adequate support and
funding from the State.  There is a role for the Government in providing
a funding source to local communities to assist in supporting those who
find themselves without a home and desperately in need of access to
services and support"
 
National Homeless Person's Week 2012 runs from August 6th – 12th and
more information can be found at www.HomelessnessAustralia.org.au. To
view a copy of the motion and to see Jan's past actions on Homelessness
visit www.JanBarham.org.au  
For Further Comment, please contact Jan Barham directly on 0407 065
061
 
 
 
Bronwen Regan

Advisor to Jan Barham MLC
NSW Parliament
Macquarie Street, Sydney, 2000
Tel: +61-2-9230 2603
Fax: +61-2-9230 2267
Email: bronwen.regan at parliament.nsw.gov.au