Homelessness Australia, and the Community Housing Industry Association (CHIA), have strongly endorsed the Australian Government's launch of $1 billion to address critical gaps in crisis housing for young people experiencing homelessness, and women and children fleeing family violence, through the National Housing Infrastructure Facility Crisis and Transitional Housing (NHIF CT) program.
From next month, up to $700 million in grants and $300 million in concessional loans will be available to organisations that deliver new crisis and transitional housing.
Homelessness Australia CEO Kate Colvin said the initiative was critically important.
"This dedicated funding will help save lives," Colvin said "When young people flee an unsafe home they are at a turning point in their lives. With a safe home and support they can thrive, but without a home base, young people are at risk of becoming stuck in a cycle of disadvantage.
"Likewise, when women and children pluck up the courage to flee a violent home, the very least we can do is provide a secure roof over their head.
"For too long, our crisis response system has been forced to turn people away due to lack of capacity. This investment in purpose-built accommodation will provide immediate safety while giving people the stability they need to rebuild their lives."
The Community Housing Industry Association also endorsed the announcement of greater funding, and highlighted how it will deliver for young people facing homelessness.
"The overwhelming majority of vulnerable young people have been victims of domestic and family violence. Ignoring that comes at a great cost to these young people, and our communities more broadly, Community Housing Industry Association CEO Wendy Hayhurst said.
"We are very pleased to see this announcement. Providing homes for young homeless young people can literally change the course of their life and prevent persistent homelessness.
"The community housing sector welcomes the opportunity to deliver new homes for those who are missing out on market housing," Wendy Hayhurst said.
The program will allocate funding to each state and territory on a per capita basis until January 5, 2026, with unallocated funds then becoming available nationally.
Eligible applicants include state and territory governments, local governments, community housing providers, and organisations improving housing outcomes for First Nations people.
