A bridge from homelessness to home
Our Reach Home Program provides tailored case management support and outreach to strengthen and build self-reliance for families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, particularly for women and their children escaping domestic violence.
How can I access help if I am homeless?
Call ACT’s Central Intake Service - First Point on 1800 176 468 – or visit their website www.firstpoint.org.au or call in to see them at Nature Conservation House, corner of Emu Bank and Benjamin Way Belconnen. Operation hours are Monday – Friday 9am – 7pm and Saturday 10am – 1pm.
What does the Reach Home program do?
The Communities@Work Reach Home program is one of a number of specialist homelessness services that receive funding under the National Affordable Housing Agreement (NAHA), jointly funded by the ACT and Australian governments. We work closely with FIRST POINT and provide sage, transitional, supported accommodation for women, with or without children, escaping domestic violence situations. We also provide outreach support as required.
We are also currently assisting with a short term temporary supported accommodation service for eligible families who are homeless and who are referred through FIRST POINT (ACT Central Intake Service for homelessness).
Who is the program for?
To be eligible for our core program of transitional supported accommodation, women (with or without children) must be referred to us though FIRSY POINT and be:
- Aged 18 or above
- Escaping domestic violence
- In need of support to rebuild their lives after domestic violence
- Self-managing (able to look after themselves and their children and undertake tasks such as shopping, housework, paying bills, getting their children to school)
- Have a commitment to obtaining permanent housing
If I am referred into the program will my children and I be living with another family?
No, each family is allocated their own house.
How much will it cost?
If you become an occupant in one of our houses, your Occupancy Agreement will require you to pay 25% of your total gross income in rent. “Total income” includes Centrelink payments and/or other income you may be receiving, e.g. from paid work or child support payments. A security deposit the equivalent to two weeks rent is required upon entering the Program. However a payment plan can be negotiated and inability to pay the security deposit up-front does not put your eligibility with us at risk. We also ask $25.00 per fortnight to be put towards the service.
What does Supported Accommodation mean?
As one of our occupants, you agree to participate in an individual support plan of action put together by you with the help of a Case Manager. You will meet regularly to work out what to do to achieve your goals, including the major goal of moving on from the Program into your long term housing.
Where do I find Emergency Accommodation?
A register of available emergency accommodation is held by FIRST POINT who can be accessed by calling 1800 176 468, visiting their website www.firstpoint.org.au or by calling in to see them at Nature Conservation House, corner of Emu Bank and Benjamin Way Belconnen. Operation hours are Monday – Friday 9am – 7pm and Saturday 10am – 1pm.
Useful Information and Links
Domestic Violence Crisis Service (DVCS) can also provide limited emergency accommodation. DVCS are available 24 hours, 7 days per week and can also provide emotional support and counseling, as well as referrals to services.
- DVCS phone: 6280 0900 Visit: www.dvcs.org.au for more information
- Emergency – Police, Ambulance, Fire 000
- Police attendance 131 444 (24hrs)
- ACT Police 6256 7777 (24hrs)
- Canberra Hospital 6244 2222
- Calvary Hospital 6201 6111
- Men’s Line 1300 789 978 (24hrs)
- Lifeline 13 11 14
- Kids Help Line 1800 551 800 (24hrs)
- Parentline ACT 6287 3833
- Mental Health Crisis Assessment Team 1800 629 354
- Child Protection After Hours Crisis Service 1300 556 729 (24hrs)
- Our Canberra Community Support info@ourcanberra.com
Below is link to a library of references that you may find useful.
Communities@Work can also assist with information and referrals to other services on your behalf.
Contact Us
6293 6500