As part of the State Government’s reform to the homelessness sector, Uniting Communities and SYC have formed a partnership to deliver the new Homeless Connect SA service.

The new service will provide a central point for anyone in South Australia experiencing or at risk of homelessness to find information and a direct referral into homelessness services. It will work closely with RentRight SA, the new state-wide housing advice and information service assisting people on low income to sustain their tenancy.

Any person needing assistance will be able to access phone support via the free-call number 1800 003 308 which will operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Homeless Connect SA will replace the Homelessness Gateway Service and the Youth Gateway, previously provided by Uniting Communities and SYC’s youth brand HYPA respectively. Together, these services provided support to more than 4,000 South Australians last financial year.

Along with the phone line, young people aged 15-25 years can access Homeless Connect SA staff and other supports in person at SYC’s HYPA Trace-A-Place at 135 Currie St, Adelaide.

Uniting Communities Chief Executive Simon Schrapel welcomed the opportunity to bring two of South Australia’s leading not-for-profits together to create this new service for people facing homelessness in our State.

“We know from our long histories of working with people experiencing homelessness just how stressful and harmful homelessness is and the significant impacts it has on individuals and families,” he said. “The new Homeless Connect SA service aims to further improve access for those experiencing or at risk of becoming homeless through a single point of contact at any time of the day or night and from wherever they are across the State.

“Most importantly, the service will not only respond to the immediate crisis but connect people into South Australia’s broad suite of homelessness support and housing services which work to secure sustainable solutions for people and families who have become homeless.”

SYC’s Chief Executive Paul Edginton said the new partnership is a step in the right direction to improve access to homelessness services for South Australians.

“SYC is excited to be working in partnership with Uniting Communities through our youth services brand HYPA to ensure better coordination and connection to homelessness support services across the State.

“We have a long history working with young people at risk of or experiencing homelessness. We are pleased to maintain the specialist, in-person response to vulnerable young people and hope that this new approach will make it easier for all people to access information and support,” he said.

Homeless Connect SA commenced on 1 October 2020. The central phone number is 1800 003 308.

The service operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.