On any given day, at least 12,200 Australians are being provided
accommodation through the Commonwealth-State governments' Supported
Accommodation Assistance Program (SAAP), according to a report
released today by the Australian Institute of Health and
Welfare.
The report Demand for SAAP Assistance by Homeless People
2002-03, shows that the 1,282 SAAP agencies provided
accommodation or help in the form of other assistance to over
97,600 clients a year and 53,800 accompanying children.
However, says AIHW author, Ms Anne Giovanetti, SAAP agencies are
operating to capacity, with demand for SAAP accommodation unable to
be completely met.
'In addition to the 11,900 people who were continuing their
accommodation, another 646 people sought immediate accommodation
every day. However, SAAP agencies were unable to help 51% (225) of
adults and unaccompanied children with immediate requests, and 62%
(127) of those children who were accompanying adults daily.
'It appears that people presenting in groups, particularly with
children, have the most difficulty in obtaining immediate SAAP
accommodation. Eighty per cent of couples with children and 66% of
individuals with children were being turned away on an average
day.'
For the first time in this annual report, says Ms Giovanetti, it
has been possible to present figures on turn-away rates by region,
with some interesting differences.
'Metropolitan centres other than capital cities had a higher
turn-away rate (75%) than those requesting accommodation in capital
cities (54%), large rural centres (32%), other rural areas (50%),
and remote areas (15%).
'From a state and territory perspective, WA reported the lowest
turn-away rate for couples without children, whereas Victoria had
the lowest turn-away rates for groups presenting with children.
Victoria also supported the highest proportion in Australia (37%)
of accompanying children. The data therefore reflects differences
in the service structures of the various jurisdictions.'
Other findings from the report show that:
- SAAP agencies also provided over 2,300 people a day with
one-off short-term assistance such as information or meals.
- The three broad service types that were most commonly provided
were basic support, such as meals and showers (98%), accommodation
(93%) and general support or advocacy (92%).
29 October 2004
Further information: Ms Anne Giovanetti, AIHW,
tel. 02 6244 1122 or mobile 0419 239 581.
For media copies of the report: Publications
Officer, AIHW, tel. 02 6244 1032.
Availability: Check the AIHW Publications
Catalogue for availability of Demand for SAAP Assistance by
Homeless People 2002-03, October 2004.