Sacred Heart Mission is currently piloting a three-year project, Journey to Social Inclusion (J2SI), which is aimed at tackling chronic homelessness.
The project aims to demonstrate that with the right investment it is possible to end a person’s chronic homelessness and that it makes economic sense.
J2SI draws on research as well as best practice in Australia and overseas which shows that a person can make a permanent transition out of homelessness through intensive, individually-tailored, long-term support that addresses the underlying causes of the person’s homeless as well as trauma experienced whilst homeless.
The pilot began in November 2009 and involves 84 participants (40 who are receiving intensive support and a comparison group of 44 who are using the existing services that are available).
The project focuses on resolving the trauma often experienced by people who are homeless, which can be before becoming homeless or whilst homeless, and getting them into stable housing.
It also seeks to equip participants with life skills such as assertiveness, job readiness, interpersonal and practical living skills through group work and one-on-one sessions. It is believed that with these skills, people will be able to reconnect to the mainstream community and build social networks outside of the homeless subculture.
The total cost over the three years will be $4 million – around $30,000 per supported participant per year.
For more information go to the Sacred Heart: Journey to Social Inclusion (J2SI) website.