- Chances House funded for three years to continue supporting Queenslanders experiencing homelessness.
- Six additional homelessness services across the Mackay and Whitsundays also supported.
- The support is part of the Crisafulli Government's record $589 million investment into crisis accommodation and frontline homelessness services.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a fresh start, and a place to call home for more Queenslanders in Mackay and the Whitsundays.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering a fresh start with $2 million in support for vulnerable Mackay residents, including delivering an election commitment with a $1 million grant to Chances House.
It is one of the ways the Crisafulli Government is delivering for Queensland, with a record $589 million over five years to deliver crisis accommodation initiatives and support the delivery of frontline housing and homelessness services.
Chances House, also known as the Australian Street Aid Project, is a drop-in centre which provides support, referrals and meals to people experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless.
Since July 1st, more than 3,730 people experiencing or at risk of homelessness were assisted by Specialist Homelessness Services in the region.
A further $1 million will help six other specialist homelessness services in Mackay and Whitsundays, as part of the 20 per cent uplift to Queensland's frontline services for the next four years.
During a decade of decline under Labor, homelessness grew by 80 per cent, social housing investment was dismal, and failed to keep pace with population growth.
Labor ignored frontline services, like Chances House, leaving the housing system under-funded, under-resourced, overwhelmed and thousands of Queenslanders without a roof over their head.
Premier David Crisafulli said the Government was delivering the fresh start Queenslanders voted for, exactly as promised.
"We are delivering a fresh start by investing in the services to help Queenslanders get back on their feet and have a roof over their head," Premier Crisafulli said.
"Through the delivery of more support for crisis accommodation and specialist homelessness support services, we can help deliver a place to call home for more Queenslanders.
"This is about ensuring there is help available for vulnerable Queenslanders when and where it's needed most."
Minister for Housing Sam O'Connor said the Crisafulli Government was investing in more frontline housing and homelessness services to help the most vulnerable Queenslanders.
"Labor's social housing waitlist grew by more than 80% over their decade of decline but we're rebuilding the system with record funding and backing specialist homelessness services who do incredible work every day supporting our most vulnerable," Minister O'Connor said.
"Chances is one of those vital hubs for local people doing it tough, offering a safe place to have a meal, a shower and access the internet, as well as referrals to essential services including housing.
"This investment locks in funding for day-to-day operations allowing the team to concentrate on helping vulnerable people, rather than fundraising.''
Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton said the funding would make a real difference for local people who've been hit hard by Labor's Housing Crisis.
"Under the Crisafulli Government we're putting resources where they're needed - on the frontline," Mr Dalton said.
"After years of rising homelessness under Labor, this $2 million package - including $1 million for Chances - means local services can focus on helping Mackay residents get back on their feet and into a safe place to live."
Chances CEO Kayleigh Brewster said the funding was critical to their continued ability to provide support to people in need.
"Having relied on community support for the past seven years, we are very relieved and grateful for this funding opportunity," Ms Brewster said.
"It enables us to better meet the needs of people experiencing homelessness in our community and, for the first time since establishment, we are supported to provide our many vital services in a safer and more sustainable way."
