Funding for Salvation Army marks the start of anti-poverty week

Minister for Housing Wendy Lovell has announced more than $1 million in funding over two years to support the continuation of The Salvation Army’s Melbourne Project 614. The announcement also marks the start of Anti-Poverty Week – 13 to 19 October.

Ms Lovell said the project was a comprehensive street outreach and support program that worked to identify and support rough sleepers and other Victorians with a high risk of homelessness.

“In order to continue the important work the Salvation Army achieves through this project, the decision has been made to provide funding of $1 million over the next two years,” Ms Lovell said.

The services are targeted to Melbourne’s rough sleepers, people in unsafe and illegal accommodation, people at risk of homelessness and homeless youth.

“This program has gone some way to meeting the needs of Melbourne’s rough sleepers and provides a 24/7 response for those who find themselves in that position. It also provides meals and case management,” Ms Lovell said.

“The Victorian Coalition Government wants to ensure that this project can continue to deliver and work to address the needs of those it currently supports – without it, the pressure on other services would be high.”

The Salvation Army provides its suite of outreach and centre based services through Project 614 at 69 Bourke St Melbourne.

Salvation Army Major Brendan Nottle said the project offers an integrated approach to addressing the complex needs of people who are homeless around the city of Melbourne and inner suburbs.

“This funding means people that are sleeping rough will continue to have a service that comes to them and responds in a holistic way. We’re not just looking at safe and secure housing but at assisting people with mental health and addiction issues and a lack of employment,” Major Nottle said.

“Prior to this project, the police were the first responders when it came to homelessness in the city, they were involved in finding accommodation – now because we’ve got the funding we can continue to provide that service, which frees the police to do their work.”
 
For further information or media comment please contact:
For further information or media comment please contact:
Dr Bruce Redman– Territorial Media Relations Director
The Salvation Army – Australia Southern Territory (Vic., SA, Tas., WA & NT)
Tel: 03 8878 2448
Mob: 0417 537 950
- See more at: http://www.salvationarmy.org.au/en/News-and-Media/news-and-media/The-Salvation-Army-Announces-Changes-to-Officer-Appointments-in-the-/#sthash.6AvEJhJU.dpuf
For further information or media comment please contact:
Dr Bruce Redman– Territorial Media Relations Director
The Salvation Army – Australia Southern Territory (Vic., SA, Tas., WA & NT)
Tel: 03 8878 2448
Mob: 0417 537 950
- See more at: http://www.salvationarmy.org.au/en/News-and-Media/news-and-media/The-Salvation-Army-Announces-Changes-to-Officer-Appointments-in-the-/#sthash.6AvEJhJU.dpuf
For further information or media comment please contact:
Dr Bruce Redman– Territorial Media Relations Director
The Salvation Army – Australia Southern Territory (Vic., SA, Tas., WA & NT)
Tel: 03 8878 2448
Mob: 0417 537 950
- See more at: http://www.salvationarmy.org.au/en/News-and-Media/news-and-media/The-Salvation-Army-Announces-Changes-to-Officer-Appointments-in-the-/#sthash.6AvEJhJU.dpuf
Dr Bruce Redman– Territorial Media Relations Director
The Salvation Army – Australia Southern Territory (Vic., SA, Tas., WA & NT)
T. 03 8878 2448
M. 0417 537 950

Lucy Sinclair
Office of the Honorable Dr Denis Napthine MP, Premier of Victoria
M. 0418 631 217
E. lucy.sinclair@minstaff.vic.gov.au