St Vincent De Paul Homelessness and Early Intervention Program

VINNIES MISSION

St Vincent de Paul aspire to be recognised as a caring Catholic charity offering “a hand up” to people in need. We do this by respecting their dignity, sharing our hope, and encouraging them to take control of their destiny.

OUR SERVICE

St Vincent de Paul Society QLD Rockhampton Housing and Homelessness Programs are specialist homelessness services that include Homelessness Early Intervention services and within Vinnies this service is known as Homestay. The Homestay program works with people from a diverse range of cultural backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants. Services are available for the duration of need of the individual that is based on assessed need rather than an arbitrary time limit.

HOMESTAY

St Vincent de Paul Society QLD Rockhampton Housing and Homelessness Programs are specialist homelessness services that include Homelessness Early Intervention services and within Vinnies this service is known as Homestay. The Homestay program works with people from a diverse range of cultural backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants. Services are available for the duration of need of the individual that is based on assessed need rather than an arbitrary time limit.

Support is provided for people who: • Are behind in rent • Have received breach or eviction notices • Cannot meet expectations for cleaning/maintenance • Are having difficulty in maintaining their existing tenancy • Are moving into accommodation after being homeless • Are experiencing overcrowding issues

HOW IT WORKS

Each participant is assigned a support worker who will assess what support they need on a case-by-case basis. This can be through general advice and budget support and goal setting as well as providing important information on tenant rights and responsibilities. For people moving into new accommodation, the support worker can assist you in establishing a successful tenancy, setting up utilities, budgeting and supporting you to understanding your lease. The Homestay program also provides assistance in applying for new accommodation options.

BEYOND TENANCY

St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland understands the impacts of mental health that come with housing uncertainty and how issues beyond unpaid rent or breach notices can affect the stability of your living situation. The Homestay program works with several service providers to provide access to counselling, transportation, advocacy, mentoring and group support for people experiencing drug, alcohol or gambling addictions, domestic abuse or family violence and other issues that place them at risk.