UnitingSA is calling on the Federal Government to take urgent and meaningful action to safeguard our communities and ensure they have successful long-term tenancies as part of the $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF).

As one of the state’s most trusted community service organisations, supporting thousands of vulnerable families and individuals across the state, UnitingSA’s pre-Federal Budget submission calls for a transformational commitment of up to one per cent of the HAFF to fund support services.

While the housing and cost of living crisis is affecting everyone, our most vulnerable are being hit the hardest with increasing numbers of households and individuals struggling to cover the basics, including housing costs and ability to maintain their housing. This sustained disruption is taking a toll on communities, forcing more people into housing insecurity and placing pressure on the service system intended to support them.

Funding recommendations:

In addition to the allocation up to one per cent of the HAFF to provide comprehensive support services to help maintain new tenancies, UnitingSA recommends the Federal Government:

  • Establish house share models that challenge the traditional ‘one tenant – one dwelling’ model of housing, where suitable tenants are matched and provided with wrap-around support to create a pathway to sustainable housing.
  • Repurpose government and public assets to offer temporary accommodation for people in crisis as HAFF properties come online. This provides a safer and more stable option for families who would otherwise be in motel accommodation.
  • Establish more head leasing models, whereby a lead agency providing specialist homelessness support, is able to take on a lease that provides stable accommodation for people who may find it difficult to secure their own tenancy.

Read the full submission here.

For further information:

Catherine Bauer – Advocacy Lead

UnitingSA
0417 841 690
cbauer@unitingsa.com.au