The Queensland Government has announced a funding boost for a Brisbane “night sanctuary” to provide 110 beds for rough sleepers each night.
The funding agreement will allow the Emmanuel City Mission’s Night Sanctuary to be refurbished and to operate seven nights a week.
The recent State Budget contained a $450 million boost to specialist homelessness services.
Night Sanctuary is an overnight service offering safety and rest for people experiencing homelessness or hardship at Emmanuel City Mission’s premises in South Brisbane.
The facility currently operates as a small trial one night a week with an average of 30 guests.
It provides a safe space for people who are “sleeping rough” to share a meal, be safe and be cared for through the night.
The new funding will allow the sanctuary to extend to the full week and offer 110 beds.
Minister for Housing and Public Works Sam O’Connor said securing long-term support for frontline homelessness services was an important part of the government’s approach to the issue.
“For too long, homelessness services were left relying on short-term funding and uncertainty while more Queenslanders fell through the cracks,” Mr O’Connor said.
“By securing ongoing funding for Emmanuel City Mission’s Night Sanctuary, we’re ensuring more Queenslanders experiencing homelessness have access to a safe place, a warm meal and the support when they need it most.”
Catholic Archbishop of Brisbane Shane Mackinlay said the funding commitment would provide certainty for a service that supports some of Brisbane’s most vulnerable people.
“Every person deserves to be treated with dignity and compassion and to know they have a safe place to turn in times of hardship,” he said.
“This commitment provides certainty for a service that offers practical support, connection and hope to people experiencing homelessness in Brisbane.”
Emmanuel City Mission Founder Roby Curtis said the funding was transformational for the mission and the people it served.
“Every night we see the difference that a meal, a safe place to rest and a caring community can make,” Mr Curis said.
“We are grateful for this partnership and look forward to helping more people take the next step towards stability, housing and a brighter future.”
