Assisting homeless elderly
More than $14.4 million will be provided to nearly 4,000 disadvantaged older Australians, ensuring they have a “roof over their heads”. The recent extension of funding is part of the Assistance with Care and Housing for the Aged (ACHA) program and will give these disadvantaged older Australians the assistance to help secure or maintain stable housing.
More than $14.4 million will be provided to nearly 4,000 disadvantaged older Australians, ensuring they have a “roof over their heads”.
The recent extension of funding is part of the Assistance with Care and Housing for the Aged (ACHA) program and will give these disadvantaged older Australians the assistance to help them secure or maintain stable housing and care in the community of their choice over the next three years.
The funding will see 45 ACHA services continue to provide valuable services to older Australians at risk of homelessness or living in insecure housing.
The guarantee of funding will ensure thousands more older Australians will be able to receive help finding suitable accommodation, advice on housing applications and financial services and assistance with removals and the purchase of household items, according to Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler.
“Older Australians who are homeless or living in insecure housing are some of the most vulnerable members of our community. Our commitment to the ACHA program will ensure those Australians not only have a roof over their heads, but also the confidence and security to participate, and feel included in the community of their choice,” he adds.
Demonstrating the government’s commitment to assisting older Australians experiencing homelessness, this group often experiences more complex health needs and requirements.
“They do not have the family and social support networks other older Australians have,” Mr Butler says.
