Update 8 December, 2016
I have re-opened this petition to #saveNPAH and urge the state and federal governments  to extend this vital funding beyond June, 2017. Please sign and share! 

Over 200 social services organisations are again calling for the extension of vital  federal and state funding through the NPAH (National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness).

Under the 2015-17 NPAH, the Commonwealth Government is providing $230 million over two years, matched by states and territories, to fund frontline homelessness services.

In total, funding of nearly $250 million per year is being directed to around 800 homelessness services around Australia. In providing this level of support, states and territories have overmatched the Commonwealth’s contribution.

We support the signatories in urging the Prime Minister to extend funding for the NPAH beyond June, 2017.

An excerpt from the letter:
'The December 9 COAG meeting provides an opportunity to end the uncertainty facing Australia’s homelessness system and guarantee future support for 80,000 people who quite literally have nowhere else to turn. Without a decision before Christmas, services will be forced to start preparing for the end of the NPAH by letting staff go and closing referrals for long-term and intensive support'.

The full letter can be read @ http://chp.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/NPAH-open-letter-to-PM-with-signatories-3.pdf

BUDGET CUTS?

Prime Minister Abbott recently tried to allay fears about the future of homelessness services, saying all will be revealed on budget night in May.

However, there is real cause for concern that funding cuts will occur in the 2014/15 federal budget.

Since 2009, the National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness (NPAH) has delivered over $1 billion in funding to agencies helping homeless persons.

There is no real indication from the current federal government that the NPAH will continue.

The original funding agreement, between state and federal governments, expired in in June last year and the former ALP government extended it until 30 June, 2014.

With only a few months until the deadline, the government's inaction indicates a lack of interest in supporting people experiencing homelessness.

Without the NPAH, nearly 3,500 social services jobs and services for 80,000 Australians are at risk. Information source.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN
In November 2013, the Abbott Government abolished the National Housing Supply Council (NHSC) which was established in 2008 to monitor housing demand, supply and affordability in Australia; and to identify gaps between housing supply and demand.

The NHSC provided crucial research data which previously helped governments develop housing and homelessness policies.

In 2010, the (now former) Chief Executive of Sacred Heart Mission wrote:
"I was in Canberra last week and had the opportunity to ask Opposition Leader Tony Abbott whether a government under his direction would continue with the Rudd government's goal of halving homelessness by 2020. His answer was no.

In justifying his stance, Abbott quoted from the Gospel of Matthew: ''The poor will always be with us,'' he said, and referred to the fact there is little a government can do for people who choose to be homeless.

While it is healthy for an opposition to challenge government policy and propose alternatives, Abbott's view was surprising and more than a little troubling".
Link to full article.

"More than a little troubling" is putting it mildly.

For the facts and personal stories on why homelessness is not a choice, visit: 
chp.org.au/homelessness
www.homelessnessaustralia.org.au
www.2steps2.com