Anglicare awarded $3.1m contract to help address local housing crisis
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Anglicare Southern Queensland has been awarded a multi-million-dollar contract over the next three years to help address the housing crisis that is impacting families in the Toowoomba region
Anglicare Southern Queensland has been awarded a multi-million-dollar contract over the next three years to help address the housing crisis that is impacting families in the Toowoomba region.
The State Government Department of Communities, Housing and Digital Economy has funded the $3.1 million Homestay program until 30 June 2026.
The Homestay program is dedicated to ensuring stable housing for those in need by helping vulnerable individuals secure and sustain housing.
The program addresses both immediate housing needs and long-term sustainability.
Anglicare Southern Queensland Service Manager for Social and Community Services Amanda Benson said the program has been supporting 52 clients since its launch in November last year.
“The Homestay program has been a real success, helping to build a stronger, more resilient community by ensuring individuals have a place to call home,” Ms Benson said.
“We have been successful in obtaining rental properties for clients within the private market, connecting clients to housing programs where they accessed housing, and assisted clients in sustaining their tenancies.
“We’re currently supporting 52 clients with their housing needs and 72.8 per cent of our clients have either reached their goals, referred to another appropriate service or are no longer requiring assistance.
“Our staff work with clients to be independent, self-reliant and connected to appropriate social and community support.”
Toowoomba’s population is one of Australia’s fastest-growing in the last decade.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that between the 2016 and 2021 Census, the population grew from 149,512 to 173,204 – a rise of 15.8 per cent.
Over the past three years, the citywide median asking rent has risen an average of 11.5 per cent, now standing at $451.20. This comes on the back of a vacancy rate that sits at 0.6 per cent and has been at or below 1 per cent since late 2020.
Ms Benson thanked the State Government for providing the funds that will help alleviate the pressures that many are facing in a tight rental market.
“I would like to thank the State Government for trusting us to deliver this program to the Toowoomba community,” she said.
“The program aligns with our organisational strategy to respond to the homelessness and housing crisis by developing a multi-faceted approach that focusses on prevention, intervention and sustainable housing solutions.
“We look forward to delivering great outcomes and supporting our clients with securing housing and sustaining their current housing.”
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