- The Queensland Mental Health Commission is investing $883,000 into three housing initiatives to better support people experiencing alcohol and other drugs (AOD) concerns at risk of housing instability or homelessness.
- The three initiatives will share funding to improve tenancy sustainability, increase access to health supports, and create more inclusive housing pathways for people who use AOD.
- Evidence suggests a relationship between experiencing homelessness and AOD harms, making it vital for the housing and AOD sectors to be equipped to respond effectively.
The Queensland Mental Health Commission is investing $883,000 to strengthen the ability of the housing and homelessness sector to better support people experiencing AOD harms.
Three initiatives have been funded under the AOD Responses in Housing and Homelessness Settings Grant Program to develop sector-driven solutions for people with AOD concerns at risk of housing instability or homelessness.
While most people who use AOD don't experience issues related to housing, insecure housing or homelessness can increase the likelihood of people experiencing AOD concerns.
Conversely, AOD concerns can increase the risk of housing instability and people with AOD concerns can experience barriers to accessing housing and health supports when engaging with the housing sector.
The grant program and initiatives aim to improve tenancy sustainability, increase access to health supports, and reduce barriers to engaging housing and homelessness services.
Enhancing workforce capability, organisational systems, processes, policy and practice will improve housing service accessibility and will better equip the sector to respond effectively to and support people who use AOD.
The three initiatives funded under the grant program will deliver services in Brisbane, Redlands, Logan, Rockhampton, Woorabinda and the Scenic Rim.
- Strong Connections - Central Queensland Indigenous Development (CQID)
CQID is a community-controlled organisation dedicated to supporting the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This project will deliver training and professional development to build workforce capability, review and enhance organisational policies, and formalise collaborative relationships between the AOD and housing sectors.
- Breaking Barriers - Mangrove Housing
Mangrove Housing delivers support and housing solutions to people with complex support needs who are experiencing homelessness, or at risk of becoming homeless. Delivered across parts of south-east Queensland, this project will enhance workforce skills and engage people with lived experience of AOD use and homelessness to co-develop improved policies and service practices.
- Building Hope and Homes - Micah Projects
Micah Projects delivers housing, health, mental health, domestic and family violence services, disability and aged care navigation and related supports to individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Brisbane. This project will deliver a trauma-informed best practice model of care for people with AOD concerns who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness.
Program funding stems from Queensland Government investment under the Achieving balance Queensland's AOD plan to achieve better health and wellbeing outcomes for people experiencing AOD related concerns.
Quotes attributed to Mental Health Commissioner, Ivan Frkovic:
"This initiative will help ensure people facing AOD challenges have the opportunity to secure and sustain a safe, stable home.
"By strengthening workforce skills, refining service delivery models, and fostering greater collaboration between the housing and AOD sectors, these initiatives will contribute to long-term improvements in housing security and health outcomes for vulnerable Queenslanders."
