TARP: A Regional Response to Human Right for People who are Homeless
Using a citizenship and human rights approach to homelessness services in the Hunter Region of NSW have developed a collaborative interagency approach (NHIN) to address adequate service provision for people experiencing homelessness. This paper will present the findings of a research project, contracted by HHIN with staff and students of University of Newcastle, to develop an integrated outreach model of service (Tarp) provision within Newcastle. This research had a particular focus on those homeless people considered to have complex needs i.e. a variety of social and/or heath issues in addition to homelessness. The project entailed an extensive literature review on models of outreach and qualitative data collection with current service provision stakeholders including crisis and long-term housing providers. In addition to developing an effective model for outreach, with projected outcomes for beneficiaries, the research identified needs for further education and research into the complex needs group of people experiencing homelessness. Furthering this work to address homelessness the paper will also present current work aimed at changing both policy and practice issues presently restricting the rights of homeless people to obtain housing on the private rental market.