Queensland government launches supported accommodation program to address homelessness

The Queensland government is launching a Supported Accommodation program to provide transitional housing for people sleeping rough across the state.

The initiative will establish 37 projects statewide to offer more than 600 places for people experiencing homelessness. These homes will provide 24/7 on-site specialist support to help residents move into permanent housing in the private market or into social and affordable housing options. Housing Minister Sam O'Connor said the government aims to identify all projects by 2028.

The program follows the experience of individuals like Ethan Shrubb, who spent 18 months sleeping rough before moving into an apartment in Brisbane. Shrubb received support from local community organisations and the non-profit Givit, which provided essentials like a bed and a laptop. The government intends to use his experience as a model for a broader response that combines housing with practical support.

Aimee McVeigh, chief executive of the Queensland Council of Social Service, said the wrap-around support is necessary to break the cycle of homelessness. She noted that while the new initiative addresses a gap in transitional housing, the community also needs more permanent supportive housing options. The state government remains committed to a larger goal of delivering one million new homes by 2044, including 53,500 social and community homes.