Northern Territory government launches new 'one stop' service to tackle homelessness crisis
A new Territory-wide service to connect people experiencing homelessness with support has generated 99 referrals since opening in November, the NT government says. Read the details.
The Northern Territory government has launched its ‘Homelessness Central Intake Service’, which it says is the first Territory-wide gateway to connect people experiencing homelessness with the support they need.
The government said the service, which opened in November, had generated 99 referrals to crisis accommodation, housing, health and specialist services.
During Cyclone Fina, staff ensured people had timely access to shelters and safe accommodation, maintaining services before, during and after the event.
Backed by $11.8m over four years, the service is delivered by Lutheran Care with partners Yilli Rreung Housing Aboriginal Corporation, Lhere Artepe Aboriginal Corporation and the Salvation Army.
Operating through hubs in Darwin and Alice Springs, with Katherine and Tennant Creek to follow, the government said it provided an entry point in each region, so Territorians no longer needed to navigate multiple providers.
Children and Families Minister Robyn Cahill said the new service was already making a difference and that it gave people “one point of access” to the help they required.
“Instead of repeating their story to multiple providers, they can tell their story once to the Intake Service who will then co-ordinate access to the support needed,” she said.
“We know that helping people into secure housing leads is critical to helping people onto a pathway for a better future including improved employment and educational opportunities.”
The NT has homelessness rates more than 12 times the national average, according to the Bureau of Statistics and the Institute of Health and Welfare.
Service details:
Phone: 1800 920 333
Online: lutherancare.org.au/nt-homelessness
In person: community hubs and day centres
Hours: 8:30am – 4:30pm, Monday to Friday
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Originally published as Northern Territory government launches new 'one stop' service to tackle homelessness crisis
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