Rapid Response Team Tackles Homelessness

A new team has been established to rapidly respond and help people across Mackay experiencing homelessness.

The Critical Response Team will work with the local homelessness network to regularly visit known areas where people are experiencing homelessness and offer rapid support to help them find accommodation.

In just a couple of weeks, the team has already engaged with more than 15 people to help them find a safe place to stay and work with them on longer-term housing options.

It’s part of the state government’s new long-term housing plan – Homes for Queenslanders – which also included a 20 per cent uplift in funding for homelessness services.

The team is based on the success of Brisbane’s inner-city Critical Response Team which was established last year and has helped more than 800 people find safe accommodation.

Labor Candidate for Mackay, Belinda Hassan, said that housing and supporting vulnerable people in Mackay is a top priority. By advocating to have 27 modular units delivered to the Mackay region on top of the social units already under construction on Palmer Street, a tangible difference has already been actioned to support those looking for homes. Addressing the homelessness crisis, Ms Hassan said that the Critical Response Team is already making a difference to those sleeping rough.

“It’s the Miles Government that has been doing what matters for our region – providing cost of living support, building more homes and supporting those sleeping rough,” Ms Hassan said.

“We just announced new modular homes for Mackay, and this new team will play an important role in reaching out to people and helping them find a safe place to stay.

“It adds to record funding to tackle homelessness through our Homes for Queenslanders plan, including a 20 per cent increase for our hardworking homelessness organisations.

“This is all at risk however, under the LNP who cut social housing when in Government and just last year voted against investment in 30,000 social and affordable homes.”

Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon said that the Homes for Queenslanders plan isn’t just building one million homes – it’s also providing critical funding towards ending homelessness.

“The new team will be out in their van every day offering people a safe place to stay, wraparound support and longer-term housing,” Minister Scanlon said.

“The LNP  have spent months railing against homeownership for thousands of Queenslanders – now it’s clear why, because the first thing they want to do is take an axe to them.

“We’ll get on with the job of helping those sleeping rough and building more homes.”

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Labor candidate for Mackay Belinda Hassan with members of the Critical Response Team in with the mobile housing unit, ready to provide rapid support and safe housing solutions for those in need. Photos supplied

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