Now, more than ever, it is important that the community sector works together to maintain services for all Queenslanders. The impact of COVID-19 requires a new and unique response from us all to continue delivering services to those most in need.

In this update I've included some information about what is happening to ensure service continuity in the housing and homelessness sector. 

Housing and homelessness COVID-19 immediate response fund

Minister for Housing and Public Works Mick de Brenni announced a $24.7 million eight-point Housing and Homelessness COVID-19 Immediate Response Fund. The funds are designed to provide an immediate package of support for Queenslanders experiencing vulnerability.

The funding package includes:

• Brokerage funds for crisis accommodation and essential services.
• Enhanced outreach support to people sleeping rough.
• Industry fund to support specialist homelessness services and community housing providers who require casual replacement staff.
• Funding for cleaning of specialist homelessness services and crisis accommodation properties, cleaning equipment and personal protective equipment.
• Accommodation assistance for vulnerable people requiring self-isolation.
• Fast tracking the next Dignity First Fund round - COVID-19 response.
• Enhancing the Home Assist Secure program.
• Discretionary approvals of bond loans, bond loan plus and rental grants to deal with COVID-19 hardship for people not ordinarily eligible.

For more information about the allocation and expenditure of this funding, funded service providers should contact their Contract Manager in the Department of Housing and Public Works.

Find out more about the funding package here.

Place-based response teams

The Department of Housing and Public Works will be  working with the nine Place-based Response Teams across Queensland to focus on reducing the number of people sleeping rough. Organisations should continue to work with local networks and their Contract Manager to develop local plans and respond to any needs or challenges as a result of COVID-19.

What to do if you're at risk of homelessness

Homeless Hotline is a phone information and referral service for people who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness. Call the homeless hotline on 1800 474 753.

The Deck is a resource hub for the housing and homelessness sector. You can find COVID-19 related housing and homelessness information through their updates page.

Have you completed your business continuity plan?

Your business continuity plan is crucial to manage service delivery during this crisis and get your organisation running again after a disruption. 

Community Services Industry Alliance (CSIA) has developed a Business Continuity Planning Accelerator to help in accelerating your planning. 

You can download the business continuity planning accelerator tool as well as a business continuity planning template from Community Door.

More information

If your organisation identifies any issues or risks in ensuring continuity of service or has a staff member or client with a confirmed cased of COVID-19, follow Queensland Health advice on the Queensland Health website or call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84).

Then, for housing and homelessness services, notify the Department of Housing and Public Works team on 07 3007 4455 or email [email protected]

People who choose to self-isolate can call the Queensland Government's Community Recovery hotline on 1800 173 349 for advice, information and support.

Visit the COVID-19 section of Community Door for up to date information including information for clients on housing and homelessness. 

Make sure you're following us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook for the latest updates.

If you have any questions or updates about what is happening in the community sector please get in touch. For COVID-19 related issues, contact us on [email protected].

Kind regards

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