A breakthrough Mission Australia service targeting the state’s most high needs homeless people was launched today in Brisbane.
Unique in Queensland, Roma House in Spring Hill will provide a 24-hour, intensive support base for the state’s homeless men, women and families – helping them transition from the streets into a more independent, sustainable and safe mode of living.

Roma House represents stage one in the Queensland Government’s $30 million commitment over five years for the Lady Bowen initiative, which includes three buildings on Wickham Terrace.

Mission Australia State Manager, Lincoln Hopper, said the service was desperately needed with the state currently recording the second highest rate per capita of homelessness in the nation.

“Nearly a quarter of Australia’s homeless population lives in Queensland. When we open for business next week, we expect to hit the ground running,” Mr Hopper said.

“Residents will receive individual support, rehabilitation, access to employment and training programs, and on-site medical care, giving them a unique opportunity to turn their lives around.

Client entry into Roma House will be coordinated exclusively through the new Homeless Persons Information Queensland call centre in association with Roma House and the two Information, Assessment and Referral services in inner city Brisbane.

Funded by Queensland’s Department of Communities and managed by Mission Australia, the Roma House service delivery model is world’s best practice.

A heritage listed building and former nurses’ quarters, Roma House has undergone extensive renovations, funded by the Department of Housing, to accommodate 39 residents for up to three months. The three story building with modern facilities will accommodate women and men separately with another section set aside exclusively for families.

“The residents of Roma House will be those used to sleeping rough. They are likely to have been unable to be accommodated by other services; to need help in dealing with alcohol or drug dependency; and to be the victims of violence, extreme poverty, family breakdown or a combination of all of these,” Mr Hopper said.

“The support on offer at Roma House will be practical, dignified, genuine and industry-leading. It’s a great honour for Mission Australia to be leading this program after more than 140 years of helping disadvantaged and homeless people get back on their feet.”

Mission Australia will open Roma House’s doors to its first residents on 27 November, 2006. Mission Australia was selected by the Queensland Government to manage Roma House’s services until 2009.

For further media information: Sarah Morgan, Rowland – 0410 641 886