‘Helping hand’ to older homeless people

A South Australian aged and community care provider is helping to provide assistance to financially disadvantaged older people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

Posted August 19th 2014

by super

Helping Hand is giving older homeless people the opportunity to find suitable and affordable accommodation, linking them to services to provide ongoing care, through the Assistance with Care and Housing for the Aged (ACHA) program.

The federal government initiative links clients to appropriate housing and care services in order to meet individual needs and circumstances to enable them to maintain independence and remain living in the community.

Through the program, Helping Hand can offer eligible clients support to find housing, home care packages, local and state services, residential care options and financial and legal services.

To be eligible, clients need to be 65 years or over, on a low income and homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

The definition of 'homeless' extends beyond sleeping on the streets. It may mean someone who is staying with different friends and family for an indefinite period or at risk of eviction from their current address. Their house may not be up to standard and may put them at risk if they continue to live there, or there may be dependents living with the client who need to be considered.

There are no fees associated with the ACHA program, although clients will be responsible for their own accommodation costs.

The areas covered by this program include South Australia's Mid North, Copper Coast, York Peninsula, Clare and Wakefield Regions.

If you know someone who you think may be eligible, contact Kathy Milhinch on (08) 8638 3777 or 1300 444 663.