YWCA Australia welcomes additional housing support and the acquisition of an 84-room hotel to provide essential accommodation for those at risk of homelessness in Queensland.
“As the only national provider of housing and homelessness services for women and their families, YWCA Australia welcomes the Queensland Government’s announcement today of a further $23 million in funding to support urgent housing need,” said Michelle Phillips, CEO of YWCA Australia.
This announcement also comes at a critical time, with recent data from National Shelter and SGS Economics indicating a nationwide decline in rental affordability.
“We know increased housing supply is key to driving housing affordability and rental costs down.
“We also know that construction of new homes takes time, which is why we have called for immediate relief to alleviate the impacts of the housing affordability and rental crisis on women and their families,” she said.
The purchase and lease of hotels, motels and retirement villages across Queensland is one way unlock supply quickly.
“Urgent and targeted interventions are also crucial to easing acute housing stress and mitigating its profound and lasting impact on the lives of women and their families.
“The Queensland Government’s injection of $23 million to support access to emergency accommodation for families experiencing homelessness is both necessary and welcomed.
“YWCA Australia looks forward to continuing to work in partnership with the Queensland Department of Housing to deliver more housing solutions and homelessness supports for women and gender diverse people,” said Ms Phillips.
