Council To Homeless Persons

19-08-10 Summary of SAAP Turnaway Rates 2008-09
SAAP services struggle to meet demand Last month the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare released its annual report on the Demand for Government-funded Specialist Homelessness Accommodation 2008-09. The report shows Australias Supported Accommodation Assistance Program (SAAP)-funded organisations are under-resourced and struggling to meet the needs of people with immediate accommodation needs. During the two week period in which the data was collected, 62% of all people and 70% of accompanied children who made a new request for immediate accommodation were turned away; 80% were couples with children and over a quarter were from Indigenous populations. This data is to be used with caution, as it does not include numbers from Victoria and was collected prior to the implementation of the National Affordable Housing Agreement. Despite these limitations, the report sends a clear message: there are simply not enough homes affordable for families and individuals with extremely low incomes. To commit to the Commonwealths target to halve homelessness by 2020, all governments must continue to invest in supported accommodation so people can remain at, or move quickly back, home.

Posted: 19-8-2010
Contributor: Diana Wolfe
Author/Source: Sarah Kahn

19-05-10 Opening Doors Survey Report
CHP has been involved in the development of the Opening Doors framework (the framework) in a number of ways. In particular our Peer Education and Support Program (PESP) members were directly consulted and also undertook consumer consultations on the development of the model. In addition, CHP is member of both the Opening Doors Implementation Reference Group (ODIRG) and the Opening Doors Evaluation Working Group (ODEWG). In September 2009 CHP conducted an information-gathering exercise to ascertain specialist homelessness sector perspectives on the framework. In recognition of the diversity of views and experiences of engaging with the framework, the survey provided an opportunity for the sector to express both positive and negative observations and to make suggestions about how the framework could be operationalised to deliver the best outcomes for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. This report provides a summary of the survey results. It includes as much as possible direct quotes from the survey participants. These provide a flavour of the significant engagement specialist homelessness workers have with the framework and the issues it raises for the sector, for the service system and for consumers. The survey was informal and in no way exhaustive. Therefore, this report does not substitute for a formal evaluation of the Opening Doors pilot models or the implementation process. However, it does provide an insight into how the sector was working with the framework at the time of the survey, and identifies a range of design and implementation issues worthy of consideration.

Posted: 19-5-2010
Contributor: Diana Wolfe
Author/Source: Trish Westmore

16-03-10 CHP sector briefing - National Quality Framework
CHP has prepared a briefing on key issues arising in the current federal consultation on a National Quality Framework. The briefing begins with ten key points, agreed by the state peak bodies as important principles for any national quality system. A more detailed briefing then follows. This detail provides background for the upcoming consultation sessions with FAHCSIA and in preparing written submissions.

Posted: 16-3-2010
Contributor: Diana Wolfe
Author/Source: Michelle Burrell

CHP Annual Report 2009

Posted: 16-2-2010
Contributor: Diana Wolfe
Author/Source: Noel Murray

Oct 09 Implementation Plan: National Partnership on Homelessness
Implementation Plan for the National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness - Victoria.
Website: Link to National Partnerships on Housing

Posted: 2-12-2009
Contributor: Diana Wolfe
Author/Source: David Wright-Howie

Apr 09 Discussion Paper: CHP response to White Paper
The Australian Government Homelessness White Paper: Bold Targets, Can We Deliver? CHP RESPONSE TO 'THE ROAD HOME: A NATIONAL APPROACH TO REDUCING HOMELESSNESS'

Posted: 28-4-2009
Contributor: David Wright-Howie
Author/Source: David Wright Howie

Links to Council of Australian Governments (COAG) funding agreements 2009

Posted: 2-4-2009
Contributor: Diana Wolfe
Author/Source: David Wright Howie

Article: The Australian Government Homelessness White Paper: Bold Targets, Can We Deliver?
Article by CHP Senior Policy Officer, David Wright-Howie, published in February 2009 'White Paper' edition of Parity magazine.

Posted: 1-4-2009
Contributor: Diana Wolfe
Author/Source: David Wright Howie

Inaugural Victorian Homelessness Conference 2008 Evaluation Report
A brief evaluation and feedback from the Inaugural Victorian Homelessness Conference held on Wednesday 19th November 2008.

Posted: 24-3-2009
Contributor: Diana Wolfe
Author/Source: David Wright Howie / Diana Wolfe

Report: Inaugural Victorian Homelessness Awards
The CHP congratulates the winners of the Inaugural Homelessness Awards 2008

Posted: 24-3-2009
Contributor: Diana Wolfe
Author/Source: Diana Wolfe

Bushfire information links
Bushfire information The Council to Homeless Persons extends our sympathy to those whose lives have been affected by the devastating Victorian bushfires. We acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of our members, partner organisations and people working in the homelessness sector, and the volunteers, emergency workers and members of the community who have generously contributed their time, resources, skills and expertise to the thousands of Victorians made homeless by the fires. We continue to advocate strongly on behalf of all Victorians experiencing homelessness, and the homelessness sector workers and service providers who support and assist those people to find safe, affordable and appropriate places to live. For assistance and information relating to the bushfires: Department of Human Services http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/emergency/current-events/bushfire Victorian Council to Social Services (VCOSS) bushfires information website includes information on donating to bushfire appeals, volunteering and support available for those affected by the bushfires http://www.vcoss.org.au/documents/VCOSS%20docs/Emergency%20Relief/firesFeb09.html Department of Education: for a list of government schools affected by bushfires. http://www.education.vic.gov.au/ Victorian Bushfire Hotline: 1800 240 667 Victorian Bushfire Legal Help line: 1800 113 432 Rural Support Line (24 hour): 1300 655 969 ABC Bushfire news website: http://www.abc.net.au/news/events/bushfires/

Posted: 24-3-2009
Contributor: Diana Wolfe
Author/Source: Diana Wolfe

03/02/09 CHP Information Sheet: Commonwealth Social Housing Initiative
Information sheet about the Australian Government's $6 billion package for public and community housing as part of a broader economic stimulus plan.

Posted: 3-2-2009
Contributor: David Wright-Howie
Author/Source: David Wright-Howie

Information Paper: National Homelessness and Housing Funding Package, December 2008
This paper provides a brief information overview of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Homelessness and Housing Funding Package agreed to and announced in December 2008

Posted: 2-12-2008
Contributor: David Wright-Howie
Author/Source: David Wright-Howie

Counting the Homeless 2006: Information Paper
This paper provides an overview of the 2006 Counting the Homeless national or Australian report produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics

Posted: 2-10-2008
Contributor: David Wright-Howie
Author/Source: David Wright-Howie

Australia's Strengths and Challenges in Responding to Homelessness: An International Comparison
A new discussion paper summarising homelessness issues and data in the United States,Canada and Europe. The major findings of this paper are being presented at the National Homelessness Conference. THIS PAPER IS EMBARGOED TO 11AM, CENTRAL STANDARD TIME, FRIDAY 24TH MAY. The paper argues that whilst homelessness in Australia is substantial and needs attention, we are well placed, compared to other Western countries, to develop a comprehensive national plan to prevent and reduce homelessness.

Posted: 20-5-2008
Contributor: David Wright-Howie
Author/Source: David Wright-Howie

Council to Homeless Persons 2007 Australian Election Statement: Reducing and Ending Homelessness in Australia
This brief statement outline why homelessness is a significant social issue and how Australia's political parties should respond.

Posted: 9-11-2007
Contributor: David Wright-Howie
Author/Source: David Wright-Howie

An Australian Blueprint to reduce and eliminate homelessness
This policy document from the Council to Homeless Persons provides recommendations to address homelessness in Australia. It is written in the context of the 2007 Federal election. It is a summary document which should act as a basis for more developed policy recommendations.

Posted: 27-9-2007
Contributor: David Wright-Howie
Author/Source: David Wright-Howie

Victorian State Budget 2007-08 Information Summary
This document provides a brief summary of the housing and homelessness initiatives in the Victorian State Government Budget 2007-08.

Posted: 2-5-2007
Contributor: David Wright-Howie
Author/Source: David Wright-Howie

Information Paper: February 2007, Summary of Research Findings, Homelessness in Melbourne: Confronting the Challenge
CHP Information Paper outlining the major findings of recently released homelessness research entitled Homelessness in Melbourne: Confronting the Challenge

Posted: 21-2-2007
Contributor: David Wright-Howie
Author/Source: David Wright-Howie

CHP 2006 Victorian Election Priorities
This document outlines what the Council to Homeless Persons (CHP) views as the major priorities and directions regarding homelessness to be addressed by the Victorian government for the 2006 election and into the future. It will assist in shaping CHPs current and future policy work.

Posted: 29-9-2006
Contributor: David Wright-Howie
Author/Source: David Wright-Howie

Information Paper: Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Initiatives relating to Mental Health and Homelessness 2006-2011
This paper provides information about initiatives to be funded by the Australian and State and Territory governments as part of the COAG National Plan on Mental Health. The paper largely focuses on Commonwealth and Victorian initiatives. The information is taken from government sources.

Posted: 28-9-2006
Contributor: David Wright-Howie
Author/Source: David Wright-Howie

Price Index Homelessness Assistance Sector Briefing No.7: August 2006
This briefing provides the latest information regarding negotiations with the Victorian government regarding the level of funding indexation for Victorian non-government services over the next three years.

Posted: 25-8-2006
Contributor: David Wright-Howie
Author/Source: David Wright-Howie

Sector Briefing No. 6: Price Index Negotiations for Victorian Non-Government Services, July 2006
Sector briefing regarding joint peak body negotiations with the Victorian government regarding the level of indexation for Victorian non-government services. The briefing contains the latest news and a sample MP letter.

Posted: 4-8-2006
Contributor: David Wright-Howie
Author/Source: David Wright-Howie

Sector Briefing No. 5: Negotiations for a New Price Index for Victorian Non-Government Services June 2006
This sector briefing provides the latest information regarding negotiaitons between the joint peak Price Index Working Group and the Victorian government on a new level of indexation of the Victorian Non-Government Service Sector

Posted: 28-6-2006
Contributor: David Wright-Howie
Author/Source: David Wright-Howie

Sector Briefing No. 4: Price Index Negotiations in Victoria, June 2006
This document provides the latest information about negotiations for a new price index for non-government organisations in Victoria.

Posted: 22-6-2006
Contributor: David Wright-Howie
Author/Source: David Wright-Howie

Sector Briefing No. 3: Price Index for Non-Government Services, June 2006
This document provides the latest information about negoitations for new price index for non-government services in Victoria

Posted: 22-6-2006
Contributor: David Wright-Howie
Author/Source: David Wright-Howie

Sector Briefing: Victorian Price Index Negotiations, April 2006
This sector briefing provides important information about negotiations with the Victorian Department of Human Services regarding a new price index for Victorian non-government services. CHP is actively involved in a joint peak body working group in these negotiations.

Posted: 20-4-2006
Contributor: David Wright-Howie
Author/Source: David Wright-Howie

Children and Homelessness in Australia: Policy and Practice Change Required - Discussion Paper for National Homelessness Conference March 2006
This 26 page paper provides a policy and practice framework for advancing issues related to children and homelessness in Australia. It also provides data and background information on children and homelessness.

Posted: 6-3-2006
Contributor: David Wright-Howie
Author/Source: David Wright-Howie

Children and Homelessness: Policy and Practice Change Required - Powerpoint presentation to the National Homelessness Conference March 2006
A Powerpoint presentation delivered at the National Homelessness Conference in Sydney, 1-3 March, 2006. The presentation is a summary of a more substantial paper on Children and Homelessnes. It outline a policy and practice framework for advancing the issues related to children and homelessness.

Posted: 6-3-2006
Contributor: David Wright-Howie
Author/Source: David Wright-Howie

Public space, homelessness and the Commonwealth Games: Developing reference points
This is an article produced for the March edition of Parity. It provides information and opinion about sector and government planning for people who are homeless during the Commonwealth Games.

Posted: 27-2-2006
Contributor: David Wright-Howie
Author/Source: David Wright-Howie

Room for us all. Homelessness responses during the Games
This booklet provides summary information regarding the response to homelessness in metropolitan Melbourne during the Commonwealth Games. It contains a brief introduction and contact details for services. It is to enable and assist the community to direct people who are homeless to the most appropriate services during the time of the Games.

Posted: 27-2-2006
Contributor: David Wright-Howie
Author/Source: Representatives of the homelessness sector, DHS and CHP.

Victorian protocol for people who are homeless in public places
This Department of Human Services document aims to provide a framework for relations between officials and people who are homeless in public places. Whilst the document has been produced in the planning period for the Commonwealth Games in March 2006, it is intended to be used beyond this period. CHP was one on many who contributed to the protocol.

Posted: 27-2-2006
Contributor: David Wright-Howie
Author/Source: Department of Human Services

Homelessness Assistance and the 2006 Commonwealth Games. A strategy to ensure continuity of services to people who are homeless in metropolitan Melbourne, July 2005
Strategy document produced by KPMG consulting on behalf of the Council to Homeless Persons resulting from a forum of key homelessness stakeholders. The report outlines a strategy to ensure continuity of homelessness assistance service delivery during the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.

Posted: 5-10-2005
Contributor: David Wright-Howie
Author/Source: KPMG on behalf of the Council to Homeless Persons

INFORMATION PAPER: SAAP V, June 2005
Information Sheet regarding the latest information about SAAP V.

Posted: 16-6-2005
Contributor: David Wright-Howie, Policy Officer, CHP
Author/Source: David Wright-Howie, Policy Officer, CHP

SAAP Funding Crisis Campaign News Briefing No.3: Outcomes from State and Commonwealth Minister's Meeting
This briefing provides information regarding the outcomes of the Commonwealth and State/Territory Minister's meeting regarding SAAP funding held on 11th March, 2005.

Posted: 18-3-2005
Contributor: David Wright-Howie, Policy Officer, CHP
Author/Source: David Wright-Howie, Policy Officer, CHP

SAAP Funding Crisis Campaign News Briefing No. 2: SAAP Funding Crisis Could Lead to Further Exclusion of People who are Homeless
CHP News Briefing with information regarding the SAAP Funding Crisis.

Posted: 11-3-2005
Contributor: David Wright-Howie, Policy Officer, CHP
Author/Source: David Wright-Howie, Policy Officer, CHP

SAAP Funding Crisis Campaign News Briefing No. 1: Make Your Voice Known in Canberra
CHP News Briefing regarding SAAP Funding Crisis including information on how to respond to the issue, sample letter and MP contact details.

Posted: 11-3-2005
Contributor: David Wright-Howie, Policy Officer, CHP
Author/Source: David Wright-Howie, Policy Officer, CHP

INFORMATION SUMMARY: SAAP NDCA Report on Homeless SAAP Clients with a Disability 2002-03
Short summary of a report released by the Supported Accommodation and Assistance Program National Data Collection Agency on Clients with a Disability.

Posted: 11-3-2005
Contributor: David Wright-Howie, Policy Officer, CHP
Author/Source: David Wright-Howie, Policy Officer, CHP

INFORMATION BRIEFING No.1: Proposed Funding Cuts for the Supported Accommodation Assistance Program (SAAP)
Briefing that provides information about what is currently known about the SAAP Funding situation, the possible impact and what CHP is planning to do.

Posted: 31-1-2005
Contributor: CHP
Author/Source: David Wright-Howie, Policy Officer, CHP

INFORMATION PRESENTATION: Policy and Practice Context for Children and Families Experiencing Homelessness
The presentation provides a brief overview of the policy and practice issues related to children and homelessness.