Good news for Tweed's homeless

THE Tweed area will receive $4.5 million over four years to help fight homelessness.

A Federal and State Government initiative for a National Quality Framework on homelessness has passed first-stage consultations.

Input came from the homeless, service providers, community groups and others with an interest in improved services.

Richmond MP Justine Elliot said the discuss- ion paper on the framework was the first step towards reform of service delivery and affordable housing in the electorate.

“In total almost 20,000 new homes will be built including 174 on the North Coast,” she said.

Tweed Heads On Track Community Programs’ Homelessness and Tenancy Support manager Tania Burke said her group had a new tenancy support program for those with children.

A spokesperson for NSW Housing Minister Frank Terenzini said the Tweed had been funded $713,000 to aid more than 350 people at risk of homelessness.

Clients needing help gathering bond money or weekly rent could be helped through the Rentstart program.

“Ms Elliot said the Government had made homelessness “a national priority”.

The spokesperson for Mr Terenzini said the NSW Government recognised the need for regional and local planning to fight homelessness.

If you need help call Housing NSW on 1300 HOUSING (1300 468 746).