By Priscilla Moca
A women’s welfare service is celebrating the federal government’s decision to extend homelessness funding for two more years.
In an Abbott government decision that ends a standoff with the states, Womens Health West (WHW) will have its funding renewed under the National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness (NPAH) when it runs out on June 30.
As part of the agreement, the Commonwealth will match the state government’s contribution of about $23 million. WHW chief executive Robyn Gregory said the announcement was a “great relief” for domestic violence victims and meant current programs could continue.
“While this extension is more limited than our request, the news gives our staff some security as well as the important promise of ongoing services for women and children over the weekend and in crisis,” Dr Gregory said.
“Thankfully, the Victorian government had already pledged to its share of the funding for the next three years.”
Federal Minister for Social Services Scott Morrison said the funding renewal announcement was made ahead of the May budget to give homelessness services more certainty. “[We] will also be looking to put in place reporting arrangements with the states that ensure the effectiveness of service delivery in these critical areas,” Mr Morrison said.
WHW is yet to receive funding details, but based on state government funding, it is believed to be about $357,000 under the Safe at Home program.
“[We] have previously used these funds to create innovative local programs that divert women away from homelessness,” Dr Gregory said. “For example, we provided a 24/seven crisis response line that received a total of 6209 police referrals in 2013-14.”
This figure reflects a 54 per cent jump from the previous year (4025 referrals), and there have been 836 police referrals received in January this year alone.
“[We’re] funded to support 29 women to remain safely in their own homes,” Dr Gregory said. “This is a highly successful early intervention strategy to divert women and their children away from homelessness.”
