Media Release - CSSA Welcomes Homelessness Green Paper

Catholic Social Services Australia's Executive Director, Frank Quinlan, has welcomed the release today of the Government's Green Paper on homelessness, Which Way Home? A new approach to homelessness.

Mr Quinlan said Catholic Social Services Australia looks forward to participating in the consultation process and will lodge a submission by 20 June this year.

"While a number of our agencies provide crisis accommodation directly for homeless people, the lions share of our members attempt to secure accommodation and support services for people who have nowhere to call home," Mr Quinlan said.

"Too often this is a frustrating and fruitless endeavour. The well documented chronic shortage of assistance for homeless people is evidence enough of the need for urgent action.

"Homelessness is not just about accommodation. The causes stem from a whole range of unmet social need.

"While providing a roof over someone's head is central to the solution, realistic resources must be poured into ensuring people get access to services that help with drug and alcohol problems, mental health issues, managing finances and a raft of other services.

"We look forward to being part of the broader discussions leading up to the release of the White Paper in August," Mr Quinlan said.

Catholic Social Services Australia provides services to over a million Australians each year through its 64 member agencies in remote, regional and metropolitan Australia.

22 May 2008

CONTACT Judith Tokley 02 6285 1366 / 0408 824 306