What is SAAP?
The Supported Accommodation Assistance Program (SAAP) is a joint Commonwealth/State Agreement. The aim of SAAP is to provide transitional supported accommodation and a range of related support services in order to help people who are homeless, or are experiencing domestic violence and are at imminent risk of becoming homeless, to achieve a maximum degree of self reliance and independence.
In Western Australia 136 services provide support and/or temporary (transitional) accommodation including:
- crisis and temporary accommodation for young people
- support and counselling for young people at risk
- refuges and outreach support services—for women who are single or have children who are victims of domestic violence
- crisis and temporary accommodation and support for homeless single adults and families.
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SAAP V Multilateral Agreement
The SAAP V Multilateral Agreement is the fifth five year agreement between the Commonwealth Government and the States and Territories. The SAAP V Agreement commenced on 1 October 2005 and ceases on 30 June 2010. The Agreement can be accessed here.
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What is CAP?
The Crisis Accomodation Program (CAP) provides funding to buy or build premises. It is managed by the Department of Housing and Works. For more information about CAP see the Department of Housing and Works website.
When did SAAP start?
SAAP started in 1985 when commonwealth and state/territory funding programs were brought together.
In Western Australia the Minister for Child Protection is responsible for SAAP. The Minister is advised by the SAAP State Advisory Committee consisting of department, non government and community representatives.
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What is homelessness?
The Supported Accommodation Assistance Act 1994 defines homelessness as:
"… a person is homeless if, and only if, he or she has inadequate access to safe and secure housing."
What causes homelessness?
People become homeless for many reasons including:
- breakdown of relationships
- domestic violence
- financial difficulties
- eviction or ending of previous acommodation.
Also, many homeless people have more than one problem. They need help from other services to overcome their difficulties. SAAP services help homeless people access these other services.
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What is the aim and goal of SAAP?
The aim of SAAP is to provide temporary accommodation and related support services. These services are for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness to help them become self reliant and independant.
The goals of SAAP are to help customers:
- resolve crisis
- re-establish family links where appropriate and
- live independently of SAAP services.
What services are in Western Australia?
In Western Australia 136 services receive more than $33 million per year. This money goes to non government and local government services and church groups.
Sixty percent of services are in the metropolitan area; the remaining 40 percent are in regional centres and larger country towns.
At any one time, SAAP provides supported accommodation to between 700—800 people, not including children, and support without accommodation to a further 700—800 people.
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Want more information?
For more information on SAAP you can go to the following websites:
Commonwealth government website
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare website - this has detailed statistics and data on the national SAAP program.
For after hours information and referral to crisis accommodation and support services call:
Crisis Care (08) 9223 1111 or 1800 199 008 (free call) or the Salvation Army Care Line on (08) 9227 8655.