The keys to unlock poverty is social housing investment

Dominee Hart, Housing Support Worker (pictured above)
 
Churches of Christ is one of the leading affordable housing providers in Queensland and continues to play an important part in providing housing and support services in our communities—contributing to economic recovery and boosting social housing supply. Our team supported 2125 people from crisis support to long term housing during the last financial year.
 
Here are some insights from our Housing Services team on the issue of poverty, its link to homelessness, and potential solutions.
 
“Poverty is one of the leading causes of homelessness and something we need to address by increasing income support and investing in more social housing. More social housing will lift people out of homelessness, while creating jobs and stimulating the economy. When people have a safe, secure and affordable place to live, they are healthier, more independent and happier.”
- Alicia Follent, Housing Services General Manager
 
The clients I support as a Housing Support Worker often come to us in crisis due to some form of financial stress or domestic/family violence. They are usually single women and couples with kids who struggle to put food on the table, let alone buy presents for birthdays and Christmas. By giving them a safe, stable and affordable place to live, we’re able to help them get back on track.
- Dominee Hart, Housing Support Worker
 
Sleeping on the street isn’t the only form of homelessness. Couch surfing, living in a car or in temporary and unsafe accommodation are also forms of homeless. Anybody of any age can be impacted if they suddenly lose their job, become ill or the cost of living becomes too great, which is why we need to create more stable, affordable social housing.
- Elaine Garayeli, Regional Coordinator – Housing Services
 
You can sign the petition to the Treasurer to raise income support and invest in social housing here:  http://everybodyshome.com.au/anti-poverty-week/