Regional SA homelessness project lands extra funding
An initiative targeting “systemic” homelessness in regional South Australia has received extra funding to expand a program that is putting roofs over heads.
A consortium of business and community partners has given a $160,000 funding boost to an affordable housing scheme on the Fleurieu Peninsula targeting the homeless in Victor Harbor.
The investment into the existing Fleurieu Accommodation Project will enable the lease of at least three additional homes and a dedicated case worker.
The initiative is led by SA-based Junction Australia and supported financially by the consortium, including the Fleurieu Community Foundation, Rotary Club of Victor Harbor, Community Bank Fleurieu, Zonta Club of the Fleurieu Peninsula and Elders Real Estate.
So far, the project has supported 32 people across three properties. It addresses homelessness by securing private rental properties, which Junction then sublets to people who are or could be sleeping rough.
Junction CEO Maria Palumbo called the project “a targeted, innovative local solution in the midst of a dire and broader systemic challenge”.
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“SA has among the lowest rental vacancy rates in the country, especially in regional areas, placing continued pressure and compounding challenges for those struggling to access and maintain housing,” she said.
“The addition of a dedicated case worker is so valuable to building connections with people to help them overcome barriers so they can genuinely improve their circumstances not just for a few weeks, but in the long term.”
Junction’s regional manager for Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island Tammy Elvin said community support for the project had been “overwhelming”.
“This is a grassroots solution which has been led by Junction but very much driven by the local community,” Elvin said.
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“Local businesses and community organisations in the region understand the visible and growing impact of homelessness in the area.
“This model has only been made possible because of the socially conscious mindset of these businesses and individuals and its success comes down to commitment, collaboration and ultimately, trust.”
She also welcomed the additional funding, noting the increased impact it brings to the Fleurieu Accommodation Project.
“This funding is truly transformative. It allows us to move from a small, high-impact pilot to a more established, scalable model so we can help more people into stable housing,” Elvin said.
“It gives some of the most vulnerable people the chance to stabilise their lives, with dedicated support, so they can find and sustain housing in the long term.”
“We will be able to significantly increase our reach and impact, noting our intention is to ensure people move on from the program into safe, affordable long-term housing, whether that be private rental or community housing.
“Our aim is to ensure every single person who is supported through this program does not fall back into homelessness, which is what we’ve been able to achieve.”
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