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Mid-Western Regional Council this week allocated $20,000 to Housing Plus and Barnardos for a joint project to provide short-term crisis accommodation to homeless families, women and children escaping domestic violence and young people who do not have somewhere safe to stay.
The funding was approved after council called for expressions of interest from groups willing to partner with council to provide affordable housing in the community.
Although council’s financial contribution is small compared to some other projects, this may prove to be among the most worthwhile initiatives council supports this year.
A study into affordable housing undertaken last year identified the need for short-term accommodation as among the most pressing in the region.
It found many people who were experiencing domestic violence were unable to escape from the situation because they could not find affordable alternative accommodation.
Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research figures released this month show that 90 cases of assault related to domestic violence were reported in the Mid-Western Region in 2013.
Assault related to domestic violence is among the most common offences reported in the region.
Young people who are “coach surfing” (moving from one place to another) because they are unable to live at home or find permanent accommodation are another group who may benefit from short-term housing.
Some of these young people may also be victims of domestic violence.
The Barnardos/Housing Plus initiative will not only provide crisis accommodation to people in need, but also put them in contact with people who can give them continuing assistance.
This is an important step in addressing an important problem in the Mid-Western Region which all too often is overlooked.