Homelessness is everyone’s responsibility; together, we can end this social problem and make sure all Canberrans have a roof over their heads.
“The public can best help the sector and ACT Government improve outcomes for people facing homelessness by donating to or volunteering with the numerous community organisations providing relief and support for people in need,” said Rebecca Vassarotti, Minister for Homelessness and Housing Services.
You can donate either through Hands Across Canberra, the ACT’s leading community foundation, or directly to a charity such as CatholicCare or St Vincent de Paul (Vinnies).
Vinnies is running its Winter Appeal and calling for donations to support the many individuals and families struggling to get through this challenging time of year, said CEO Barnie van Wyk. (Online or call 13 18 12.)
You can volunteer through programs such as St Vincent de Paul’s Night Patrol, or the Volunteering ACT Website, ACTCOSS’s Geoff Buchanan said. Volunteering ACT lists frontline organisations providing free meals, emergency relief and accommodation.
You can donate and buy pre-loved items from Vinnies shops, or volunteer your time, Mr van Wyk said. “A large percentage of profits made by Vinnies shops are returned to the community through a variety of services and programs that support people in need and help break the cycle of poverty.”
Vinnies’ CEO Sleepout this year raised $1.05 million – 66% more than their original target. Mr van Wyk called this an amazing outpouring of support. “These contributions mean that we will be able to continue to provide essential intervention, prevention and support services to those at risk of or experiencing homelessness in Canberra.”
If Canberrans are in a position to do so, Ms Vassarotti said, they can rent property below market prices through HomeGround (CHC) or Rentwell (YMCA) to help create more affordable housing options for people at risk of homelessness.
HomeGround offers all its properties at 74.9% of the market rent, explained CEO Andrew Hannan; homeless / at-risk people are ranked as a priority. Private landlords can directly support the needs of a lower income household of their choice, in return for land tax exemption and income tax savings. “The hip pocket impact for the landlord in offering a reduced rent may be as little as $25 per week after tax savings are accounted for,” CEO Andrew Hannan said.
ACTCOSS recommends supporting the national Everybody’s Home campaign to fix the housing system and end homelessness by 2030. It calls on the government to provide support for first-home buyers by resetting the tax system; make 500,000 new low-cost rental homes available through the National Housing Strategy; give renters a better deal by getting rid of “no grounds” evictions and unfair rent rises; and increase Commonwealth Rent Assistance for people struggling to pay rent.
You can also talk to politicians – local members or ministers in the ACT Legislative Assembly or federal MPs and Senators, Mr Buchanan said.
“Speaking to local members about the need to increase housing services and housing options as a priority is a great way to keep the need for housing for vulnerable people on the agenda,” said Anne Kirwan, Group CEO of Marymead CatholicCare Canberra & Goulburn.
For another insight into homelessness and housing stress, read ACTCOSS’s Stories of Home (2016).
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