Salvation Army Geraldton Family Crisis Services guaranteed funding until mid-1998

14/11/96

The Salvation Army Geraldton Family Crisis Services has been guaranteed funding until mid-1998, Family and Children's Services Minister Cheryl Edwardes and Federal Family Services Minister Judi Moylan announced today.

This means the centre can continue to provide safe crisis accommodation for up to two families at a time who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

Family and Children's Services has granted the centre $48,025 a year until June 30, 1998 under the Supported Accommodation Assistance Program (SAAP).

SAAP is a joint State and Commonwealth Government program which provides more than 100 accommodation and support services for homeless people throughout Western Australia.

"Families can find themselves without a home for many reasons, including unemployment, illness or personal crisis," Mrs Edwardes said.

"It is vital that they have access to safe accommodation and services which support them in a crisis of this kind.

"It is also very important to help them after the crisis to re-establish their lives."

Mrs Moylan said the services made a valuable contribution to the Geraldton community.

"This program provides a safe, secure setting where families without homes can assess their situation and make informed choices and decisions about the future," she said.

"Families can get help to find suitable long-term accommodation and develop skills that may reduce the chances of future crises.

"The continued funding demonstrates the Commonwealth and State Governments' commitment to strengthening families and providing support to people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless."

Media contacts: Diana Russell Coote (Minister Edwardes' Office) (09) 421 7777

Martine Haley (Minister Moylan's Office) (06) 277 2742