mass program

MASS provides supported accommodation for single men, unaccompanied by children, who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, including those who are leaving custody or are involved in the criminal justice system. Objectives of the program are to ensure that men:

  • gain enhanced safety and improved health outcomes develop opportunities to increase knowledge, skills and confidence to manage future crises increase their awareness of, and capacity to access, ongoing education, community resources and support networks are better able to sustain stable accommodation
  • are able to develop ongoing skills to access appropriate mainstream and specialist services

Thirty men are accommodated in properties acquired under the Housing ACT CORHAP arrangements and managed by Canberra Men's Centre. Eligible applicants will be allocated a property and will receive intensive case management for up to 12 months with the aim of developing an independent tenancy arrangement for them with Housing ACT in that property. Outreach support in a case management model will continue as required following the period of intensive support.

Approach

The service uses a flexible Case Management approach which emphasises 'working with' rather than 'working for' service users. Service users are treated by their Case Managers with respect and as individuals with their own goals, values and priorities. Service users are consulted and directly involved in planning and decision-making processes as staff work to ensure that their particular needs are being met.

Costs

There are no fees, and access to the service is not contingent on the service user's ability to pay. However, service users enter into a tenancy agreement with CMC and are expected to pay rent and make provision for their own living expenses.

Issues dealt with:

social networks social and living skills personality disorders
recreation alcohol / drug use other mental health
disabilities legal / justice system
  health issues


Admission Criteria

Fifteen places are allocated specifically to men involved in the Justice system - in prison, on remand or on probation. MASS will work through protocols established with ACT Corrections, ACT Sentence Administration Board, Community Corrections and Legal Aid. The other 15 places will be made available to men referred through existing emergency and short-term accommodation services (eg; Samaritan House, Mary's Place), as well as through mental health and other community services.

Vacancies and Waiting Lists

For information about vacancies and waiting lists, please contact the Director, Gerald Franks by email or phone (02) 6230 6999 during office hours.

Referral process

Simply complete a referral form and send it to the Canberra Men's Centre. Referral applications will be considered by the Director, subject to existing waiting lists and prioritizing of needs for all men referred.