Overview
A Place to Call Home is a joint initiative by the Australian and state and territory governments to build 600 new homes for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The Australian Government is investing $150 million in this program, with state and territory governments also contributing funds.
A Place to Call Home commenced in July 2008, and will operate until 30 June 2013. The initiative provides funding for:
- the cost of building new accommodation, making spot purchases and/or the renovation of suitable public housing properties to provide long term, affordable housing for people experiencing homelessness
- the provision of support services to help people break the cycle of homelessness.
How does it work?
People assisted under A Place to Call Home move directly into permanent housing. They receive tenancy and other support services for the first 12 months to help them address the issues that led to homelessness, and reintegrate with the broader community. As A Place to Call Home dwellings are transferred to the public housing pool in each jurisdiction, tenants are able to remain in their home at the end of the support period.
A joint initiative
A Place to Call Home is a collaborative approach between the Australian and state and territory governments. State and territory governments are providing land, other capital contributions and funding for support services.
Australian Government funds are being distributed to the states and territories according to 2006 Australian Bureau of Statistics Census data on the number of people who are homeless in each jurisdiction. Indigenous people will be provided with homes and support services at least in proportion to their representation in the homeless population.