INNOVATIVE SERVICES Meeting the needs of the homeless and victims of domestic violence Laurie Maher Executive Officer 1
Presentation Agenda 1. Community Awareness 2. Early Intervention 3. Crisis Accommodation 4. Transitional Accommodation 5. Long-term Housing 2
1. Community Awareness Available services Funding constraints Level of homelessness/statistics Lack of affordable housing Partnerships and community support Upcoming events Success stories 3
Communication Channels 4
Newspaper Coverage 5
Online Engagement 6
Event Promotion
2. Early Intervention Coast Community Centre Our one-stop shop 8
Coast Community Centre 9
10
3. Crisis Refuges on the Central Coast 11
Coimba Men s Program Located in Gosford 4 beds in Refuge 20 transitional properties in Gosford City 13 transitional properties in the Wyong Shire 12
Elandra Women and Children s Refuge Located in Toukley 6 family rooms in the refuge 7 transitional properties in the Wyong Shire 13
Kara Women and Children s Refuge Located in Gosford 4 family rooms in Refuge and 3 self-contained units on site 7 transitional properties in Gosford City 14
Neleh Women and Children s Refuge Located in Gosford 4 family rooms in the Refuge 7 transitional properties in Gosford City 15
Rumbalara Youth Refuge Located in Gosford Accommodation for up to 6 young people in refuge One bed allocated for Bail Assistance 3 transitional properties in Gosford City 16
Maya Young Women s Refuge Located in Gosford Accommodation for up to 6 young women in refuge 3 transitional properties in Gosford City 17
Wyong Youth Refuge Located in Wyong Accommodation for up to 5 young people in Refuge 3 transitional properties in Wyong Shire 18
Youth Angle Located in Umina Accommodation for up to 6 young people in refuge 3 transitional properties in Gosford City 19
Woy Woy Youth Cottage Located in Woy Woy Accommodation for up to 6 young people in refuge 3 transitional properties in Gosford City 20
Domestic Violence Response Team Significant gap in service delivery for women with or without children escaping DFV and accommodated in TA. TA provides immediate accommodation but offers no practical and/or moral support. Stress of being isolated in motel/hotel or caravan accommodation adds further trauma. Last financial year Housing NSW assisted approximately 700 women and children with TA due to DFV. 22
DFV Response Team reach the most vulnerable and marginalised women and children. Negotiations with local Community Housing Providers to head lease suitable properties for TA use: 2 Gosford and 2 Wyong. TA workers undertake immediate risk and safety assessments within 24 hours. Women with or without children escaping DFV have access to immediate tailored support, advice and information. 22
Coordinated by Coast Shelter by appropriately trained workers. School-based DFV and Sexual Assault prevention program. Education on respectful relationships. Focuses on Year 10 male and female students. Owned by NAPCAN (National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect) 23
Shark Cage Shark Cage Registered Trademark of Ursula Benstead Consulting. Provides strategies for change in clients lives. Corresponds with theoretical feminist & human rights frameworks. Helps clients to recognise and implement boundaries in relationships Complements Love Bites Program and is delivered in Coast Shelter s youth refuges 24
4. Transitional Accommodation 25
Transitional Accommodation Provides safe and affordable exit accommodation from our nine crisis refuges Continues client support and addresses any issues Works to re-establish independent secure housing as soon as possible. Transitional properties are owned or leased by Community Housing Providers e.g. Pacific Link, Compass, Housing NSW. They manage tenancy and we provide client support. MOUs in place to outline responsibilities of Housing Provider and Coast Shelter. 26
5. Long term accommodation Priority access to long-term properties through partnerships with: Real Estate Agents Community Housing Providers Housing NSW 27
Tenant Support Service Provides assistance to: Reduce failed tenancies resulting in happy landlords and tenants. Address rental arrears. Reduce time spent preparing for and at tribunal hearings. Assist Public Housing tenants with any tenancy issues. 28
Thank you