Gabrielle Upton med rel — Upton Launches New Homeless Report

Family and Community Services Minister Gabrielle Upton today joined Catherine Yeomans, CEO of Mission Australia, to launch the MISHA report which highlights the importance of innovative approaches to addressing homelessness.

Mission Australia’s MISHA project connected chronically homeless rough sleepers to long term housing and intensive support services.

Minister Upton said “Breaking the cycle of homelessness requires innovative approaches. We cannot do the same things we have done and expect different results.

“That is why projects and research like this are invaluable; they help us find better ways of helping those most in need,” Ms Upton said.

“The MISHA project meant that after two years almost 90% of participants sustained their tenancies. This is a fantastic result particularly for such a vulnerable group.

Minister Upton added “The NSW Government, together with specialist homelessness service providers, is delivering the most significant reform to homelessness services in a generation.

“Going Home Staying Home will mean more money and better services delivered to the areas of greatest need,” Ms Upton said.

“Over the next three years, the NSW Government will invest over half a billion dollars to tackle homelessness head on.

“Crucially, a competitive tender process has identified quality providers like Mission Australia who can provide people the right help at the right time, deliver more services where problems first emerge and connect people with holistic supports tailored to their needs.

“I congratulate Mission Australia and the research team on the MISHA report. They are at the forefront of driving innovation in the sector and are helping to improve outcomes for those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.”