A visiting expert from the United States has met with representatives from the non-government, government and corporate sectors today to help end family homelessness in Brisbane.
“A key focus of the roundtable was looking at how to prevent family homelessness happening in the first place,” says QCOSS CEO Mark Henley.
“It’s about identifying those families who are vulnerable and taking steps to ensure these families do not become homeless.
“Nan Roman is from the United States but we are now looking at how we can put her experience to practical use tackling the issues in Brisbane.
“There are strong parallels in Queensland to responses to homelessness in the US and the framework that is used by the National Alliance to End Homelessness can be applied locally,” says Mark.
Looking beyond government support was another focus during the roundtable.
“We are looking beyond government funding to deliver solutions,” says QCOSS President Karyn Walsh.
“The corporate sector should also be involved. Nan Roman’s work has bi-partisan political support in the US as well as engagement with the corporate sector.
“The non-government, government and corporate world can work together on cost-effective initiatives where housing and support are integral to keeping families housed.
“This also can work to support families to keep children out of the child protection system”.
The roundtable was led by Micah Projects and the Inala Family Accommodation and Support Service, as part of the Homeless Community Action Planning initiative run by QCOSS and the Department of Communities.
