Over 2,000 people a month head to new housing service

The ACT Government's new consolidated housing service is proving a hit with members of the public and stakeholders, seeing about 13,000 in its first six months, Minister for Community Services Joy Burch said today.

Central Access Point in Belconnen co-locates Housing ACT's Gateway Services, where people can apply for public or community housing, as well as two specialist homelessness services - First Point and the Supportive Tenancies Service, both of which are funded by the ACT Government.

"In the first six months of the Central Access Point, from its launch in July 2011, around 13,000 people used the one-stop shop housing service," Ms Burch said.

"This strong vote of confidence from members of the public who are seeking help from housing or homelessness services underlines the approach the ACT Government has taken with this Belconnen-based service."

Ms Burch said it was also pleasing to see that the number of non-government agencies who are now part of the Central Access Point, alongside Housing ACT, has continued to grow.

"Along with First Point and the Supportive Tenancies Service we have also welcomed Advance Personnel, a leader in employment services for people with a disability, and the Canberra Men's Centre."

Ms Burch said both the recent additions valued the opportunity to reach more people by establishing a base in Belconnen while their joining broadened the range of information available at the Central Access Point.

"By co-locating these important services with Housing ACT's tenancy shop-front, we are able to better communicate and co-ordinate assistance for clients.

"This new service is a clear example of the ACT Labor Government's commitment to partnering with community services to work together to improve the lives of disadvantaged people in our city."