Answers to Questions

Riverland Homeless

In reply to Mr WHETSTONE (Chaffey) (29 September 2016).

The Hon. Z.L. BETTISON (Ramsay—Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, Minister for Social Housing, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers): I have been advised:

The Department for Communities and Social Inclusion (DCSI) funds two services to provide homelessness responses in the Riverland area: the Riverland Homelessness Assertive Outreach Program (Outreach Program), delivered by Life Without Barriers; and the Riverland Generic Homelessness Service (Generic Service), delivered by Anglican Community Care.

Over the course of the severe weather event that impacted South Australia in late September 2016, the two services provided an enhanced level of support to people who were sleeping rough.

Increased outreach support was activated with the services actively visiting the areas where people were known to be sleeping rough. Workers also assisted clients who did not wish to go into alternate accommodation, to relocate to safer areas in preparation for the weather.

Additional support was also provided for motel accommodation, bus tickets, food and fuel to ensure safety.