The CEO of Linking Communities Network Limited Yvonne Wilson has welcomed the news that homelessness services in the Murray Darling are set to receive almost 10 per cent more funding.
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The extra funding is under the National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness (NPAH) announced last week by NSW Minister for Family and Community Services, Gabrielle Upton and Federal Minister for Social Services, Scott Morrison.
“It is very good news and we are very pleased about the extra funding,” Ms Wilson said.
“We always welcome more funding as the need is so great.
“We are very good at budgeting but our finances only go so far.
“As far as I can see the need is only growing,” she said.
Ms Wilson has been working in the homelessness and domestic violence sector for the past 35 years and during that time has seen a rise in the community’s need for the services that her organisation provides.
“There’s a lot of people currently homeless or in danger of homelessness.
“We run a youth emergency accommodation service, for young people aged 16 to 25, and that is almost always full to capacity.
“We also have women’s and children domestic violence emergency accommodation and the need doesn’t ever let up.
“On one hand it’s sad but on the other hand it’s good that there is a place of safety.
“We also do a lot of outreach work and early intervention,” Ms Wilson said.
“We see a lot of culturally diverse clients and our services cover a vast area including Narrandera, West Wyalong, Hay and Lake Cargelligo.
“This 10 per cent extra funding will go a long way to meeting the needs of our clients,” she said.
Linking Communities Network Limited has partnered with the Salvation Army Griffith and Leeton to provide a network of support for those in the community who might be experiencing tough times.
It offers a number of services including crisis accommodation and support, early intervention with housing and helping people to find accommodation.
If you are in need of assistance and wish to contact Linking Communities Network Limited, their office is located at 177 Yambil Street, Griffith.
A 24 hour help and assistance line is also available phone 6964 4804.
For more information on services available for people experiencing hardship or looking for emergency accommodation, visit www.homelessnessnsw.org.au/