The Transitional Accommodation Program provides affordable short term and transitional accommodation for Aboriginal people from remote communities and regional centres.

Housing SA has two transitional accommodation centres:

  • Lakeview, Port Augusta
  • Wangka Wilurrara, Ceduna.

Eligibility

Customers can apply or be referred to the transitional accommodation centres.

Customers are eligible if they are of Aboriginal and/ or Torres Strait Islander descent, have an independent income, and meet at least one of the below:

  • they need temporary accommodation for a short term stay
  • they have urgent housing needs because their current housing is unsafe or unsuitable
  • they can't return to community or country.

Customers won't be allowed to stay, and may be temporarily removed from the centre, if any of the below apply:

  • they have been temporarily removed from a centre
  • they are subject to an intervention order or bail conditions prohibiting them from staying at a centre
  • they show aggressive, violent or threatening behaviour
  • they are affected by drugs or alcohol, or take drugs or alcohol with them to the Transitional Accommodation centres.

Customers who aren't eligible but have exceptional circumstances - eg they aren't Aboriginal but have an Aboriginal partner or Aboriginal children in their custody, may be given approval to stay by the Manager of the transitional accommodation centre.

Children

Children who receive an independent income are eligible to stay at the centre without parent or guardian supervision.

All other children must be both:

  • accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times
  • fully dressed when in public areas.

Staying at the centres

The length of stay is determined between the manager and the customer, but generally, customers can stay at:

  • Wangka Wilurrara centre for up to 3 weeks
  • Lakeview centre for up to 12 weeks.

The centres don't allow:

  • alcohol, drugs or smoking in the centre, or being under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • animals
  • anti-social or violent behaviour - eg being violent or aggressive to other customers or staff.

Customers are responsible for:

  • keeping the centre clean and tidy
  • reporting any damage or other maintenance to staff
  • telling staff it they are leaving, or if they will be away temporarily while staying at the centre.

Fees and services

A daily fee, based on the type of accommodation, covers both accommodation and meals. Customers must arrange to pay the fee through EasyPay or a similar deduction payment method - eg directly from their wages.

There are three types of accommodation available:

  • wiltja/ campsite tents
  • single or double room units
  • independent living units with a kitchenette and bathroom.

Each accommodation type caters for one family group or no more than four adults.

Inspections

Accommodation Officers inspect the living areas at least once a day. During the inspections, they will:

  • check the accommodation is being kept clean and tidy - eg no excessive rubbish
  • check for any property damage
  • check all fire alarms are working, and for other health and safety issues - eg broken windows
  • try to see all children aged five and under known to be staying at the centre, and ask about their whereabouts and wellbeing if they can't see them.

Removing customers temporarily

Accommodation Officers or the Manager can issue customers with a warning, or immediately remove them from the centre, if they engage in behaviour that isn't allowed in the centre - eg being under the influence alcohol or drugs, threatening or aggressive behaviour.

Customers can be removed for a minimum of 24 hours or longer, at the Manager's discretion.

Staff at the centre will contact SA Police if assistance is required.

Related information

Controlling documents

This policy is based on and complies with:

  • DCSI Strategic Plan 2013 to 2016
  • DCSI Aboriginal Priorities Plan 2015 to 2018
  • Housing Strategy for South Australia 2013 to 2018

Supporting guidelines

  • Transitional accommodation program guidelines v 1.0

Related policies and other documents

  • Vulnerable Peoples Framework Ceduna
  • Housing SA Risk and Vulnerability Framework
  • Homelessness to Home (H2H) policy

Date this policy applies from

1 August 2016

Version number

1

The online version of the policy is the approved and current version. There is no guarantee that any printed copies are current.