What is the Responsive Emergency Accommodation Support?
This support provides access to emergency accommodation for people who are experiencing sudden homelessness. The support may also assist eligible clients with emergency food relief, basic living necessities and transport.
Who can access support?
Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal individuals and family units can access the support. Clients must normally reside in the Local Government Area of the Gunnedah Shire Council. Due to the close proximity of neighbouring communities, consideration will be made for residents living in the Local Government Area of the Narrabri Shire Council.
How long can I stay in emergency accommodation?
Emergency accommodation can be provided for a period of up to 5 nights. This support is responsive to the immediate needs of clients who have experienced sudden homelessness. During this period of time, you are encouraged to make contact with local support services.
If you are Aboriginal you will be encouraged to apply for Aboriginal Social Housing with Gunida Gunyah and/or Gunida Gunyah’s Transitional Housing Program. If you are non-Indigenous you will be referred to local community housing and support agencies.
How can I access the support:
If you urgently need accommodation, we strongly encourage you to first call Link2home on 1800 152 152. Link2home is an information and telephone referral service open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
You can then apply for support with Gunida Gunyah by calling the office during business hours on (02) 6742 7038 or by visiting our office in person located at 34-36 Farrar Road Gunnedah.
The service will accept referrals from the police, local community service providers. You may also self-refer. It is important to note that a referral does not guarantee emergency assistance and that only a designated Support Worker from Gunida Gunyah Aboriginal Corporation can assess eligibility and approve assistance requests.
I have suddenly become homeless and have applied for assistance, what happens next?
If you are approved for emergency accommodation an authorised Support Worker from Gunida Gunyah Aboriginal Corporation will arrange for safe and suitable accommodation that may include a motel, caravan park, or hotel for a period of up to 5 nights based on individual circumstances.
