• More than $1 million boost for Salvation Army service
• Funds temporary supported accommodation for women and families through a Specialist Homelessness Service
• More than $17 million is already committed to Specialist Homelessness Services in Cairns in 2023-24

The Palaszczuk Government has committed more than $1 million to The Salvation Army to continue to deliver its specialist homelessness service in Cairns.

With this funding, Centennial Lodge provide 12 places of temporary supported accommodation for women and mobile support services to five external properties for families.

This adds to previously funded 23 places of temporary supported accommodation for men.

Quotes attributable to Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon:

“While we get on with our big housing build, we’re also providing immediate support to families and individuals in need.

“That means not only building and buying homes in record numbers, but funding support services like the Salvation Army to provide critical homelessness services.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Cairns Michael Healy:

“This funding means they’ll be able to continue helping women and families in the Far North.

“This financial year we are providing more than $189 million to deliver hundreds of Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS) across the state, including in the Far North.”

Quotes Attributable to Aaron Pimlott, State Manager Homelessness QLD, Social Mission, The Salvation Army Australia Territory:

“We welcome the news of increased funding for The Salvation Army to continue supporting vulnerable women and families in the Cairns community.

“Our partnership with the State Government continues to grow stronger as we work together to see vulnerable Australians housed, supported, and cared for.

“Ending homelessness is possible, and when suitable housing and support is made a priority, we will see homelessness as rare, brief, and non-recurring.”

ENDS

Media contact: Francis Dela Cruz - 0420 592 078 and Robyn Wuth - 0461 555 208