Salvos applaud continued homeless funding
31 March 2014
The Salvation Army welcomes funding allocated by the Australian Government to ensure the continuation of vital services provided to homeless people across the country.
Minister for Social Services Kevin Andrews yesterday announced that the $115 million will continue to support 180 initiatives around Australia, providing shelter, food and support for those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
“The commitment by the Federal Government means that The Salvation Army can continue providing frontline services such as, the ‘Street to Home’ program which specifically targets ‘rough sleepers,’” said Dr Bruce Redman.
Figures released in December show more than 20,500 people required help from The Salvation Army within a six month period. The Salvation Army is the largest provider of homelessness services across Australia. ABS figures show that homelessness has risen from 90,000 in 2006 to 105,237 in 2013.
The Salvation Army now looks forward to the commitment of state and territory government matching federal funding for the coming year.