Community & Client Services
Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS) The Aboriginal Homeless and Prevention Service (AHPS) team, servicing Tweed Heads, Ballina and Murwillumbah, led from the front during the floods. The AHPS team responded and adapted quickly, establishing new working relationships with Services NSW’s Resilience Program for flood-affected clients to access emergency assistance and priority housing. While our clients waited for social housing or to be put forward for a transitional property, our staff advocated for Temporary Accommodation (for up to 12 months). Alliance Partners Momentum Collective is proud to be a part of the Specialist Homelessness Service Alliance that operates across many communities in the Clarence Valley, Richmond and Northern Rivers regions. The partnership is vital to our regions because it offers culturally appropriate and safe services for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and their families . Our Alliance partners include: Women Up North Housing, Clarence River Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Services Inc., Northern Rivers Community Gateway, Boolangle and Gurehlgam Corporation.
Family and domestic violence is the leading cause of homelessness for women and children in Australia and constituted 42% of Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS) clients according to Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute. Women experiencing domestic and family violence (DFV) are often forced to flee their homes, fearing for their own physical and mental wellbeing and that of their children. The facts are: Currently, one woman is killed every nine days in Australia by a current or former partner. 1 in 6 women and 1 in 16 men have experienced physical and/or sexual violence from a current or ex-partner. 1 in 4 women have experienced emotional abuse from a current or ex-partner. Momentum Collective services include after hours support and crisis accommodation to help with immediate relocation, community housing or support to stay safe at home. Our specialist staff support housing, wellbeing and safety needs within an integrated and holistic framework. Our case workers facilitate connections with health professionals, counselling, police, court advocacy services, victims’ financial supports, social support, family law and legal aid. We also assist with education and employment support. 1,107 Domestic Violence Recovery Emergency (DVRE) 24/7 Calls 778 DVRE Clients 87% Women & Children 58% Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
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