Tackling homelessness will soon be a priority in Forbes with the introduction of new reforms which will be rolled out by CentaCare Wilcannia-Forbes.
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CentaCare has recently been announced as the successful tenderer for the delivery of specialist homelessness support services under the Going Home Staying Home reform.
The service will target homeless or at risk of homelessness young people, adults and families including women escaping domestic and family violence.
CentaCare Wilcannia-Forbes housing manager Brian Asimus said this reform will help fill some of the gaps in the system.
“We currently offer a youth service for 16 to 25 year-olds and services for women escaping domestic violence, but there are some gaps, for example if you’re a 29-year-old male, there’s nowhere to go,” he said.
“Part of the reform’s philosophy is to address these gaps, so I’m excited about it.”
The Going Home Staying Home reform has an increased focus on early intervention so people access the right support when they need it and before they reach a crisis point.
“The service will provide crisis, early intervention and post crisis support to help people break the cycle of homelessness, support for homeless clients to access long-term secure accommodation and will use an early intervention approach to support tenancies at risk,” CentaCare Wilcannia-Forbes’ acting director family community and youth services, Dorothée Crawley said.
The program has a focus on supporting homeless clients in accessing long-term secure accommodation and will be tailored to meet the specific needs of different client groups including young people, women, men, families and Aboriginal communities.
CentaCare Wilcannia-Forbes is one of 149 specialist homelessness services across NSW and has been appointed for the delivery of these support services in three regions – Forbes, Parkes, Cowra, Lachlan and Weddin; Cobar; and Bourke.
Mr Asimus said there is an absolute need for homeless services in Parkes and Forbes.
“There’s just nowhere for young people – we do what we can for them but I think the reform the state government has handed us in Parkes and Forbes shows that we have a need for it here,” he said.
“Parkes and Forbes are the winners of this reform. We’re trying to place ourselves to best service as many people as we can.”
Ms Crawley said CentaCare believes in a holistic and integrated service response in addressing the complex needs of individuals and families in crisis.
“CentaCare will be able to add value to the Forbes homelessness service through existing services including financial counselling, mental health and family support,” she said.
CentaCare brings a broad experience in the delivery of crisis support, emergency accommodation and homelessness services across the diocese of Wilcannia-Forbes and looks forward to being part of Going Home Staying Home.
