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INNOVATIVE HOUSING PROGRAM TO ASSIST REFUGEES

Released 30/04/2008

Refugees fleeing war torn and impoverished countries will be allocated short-term accommodation in the ACT under an innovative new program launched at Narrabundah today.

Minister for Housing John Hargreaves said the Refugee Transitional Housing Program matches refugees with vacant public housing properties listed for redevelopment.

“The program is a joint initiative of Housing ACT, Companion House and Centacare and assists up to eight families at a time by offering them six-month temporary housing while they seek permanent accommodation,” Mr Hargreaves said.

“The program has been successfully trialled in the ACT since October last year with six refugee families currently living in properties scheduled for redevelopment.

“As a result, these families have been able to begin the resettlement process without the added burden of finding affordable accommodation immediately upon their arrival.

“As part of the program, exit plans are prepared for refugee families for their transition into more permanent accommodation and, eventually, independent living in our community.”

While properties under the initiative will be redeveloped, they are subject to normal health, safety and security repairs and regulations, and their use by refugees does not impact on the housing waiting list, Mr Hargreaves said.

“In fact, having refugee families living in the properties helps to act as a deterrent to vandals and squatters as they are no longer vacant before redevelopment.

“Access to affordable housing has been a major barrier to refugee settlement in the territory.

“The ACT Government is now pleased to be able to offer this program to some of the most vulnerable new members of our community – and see them begin to thrive as a result.”