STAFF WRITERS
HUNDREDS of Victorians are being supported out of homelessness thanks to the rollout of the new Homes First program.
The program, funded by the state government, will help more than 500 households secure housing.
Minister for Housing and Building, and Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing visited Melbourne City Mission to mark the official start of the Homes First program.
Backed with $48 million in this year’s state budget, Homes First also gives people access to programs and people that help break the cycle of homelessness, with services like mental health, drug and alcohol and financial counselling, and family violence services.
The program is operating in Inner Gippsland, Brimbank-Melton, Hume-Merribek, Outer Eastern Melbourne, Goulburn, Ovens Murray, Loddon, and Wimmera South-West.
These areas were chosen due to a need for extra support services for people experiencing homelessness or at risk of sleeping rough.
“More homes mean more opportunity, but it’s also essential that vulnerable Victorians can get the support in other areas that they need to break the cycle of homelessness,” Ms Shing said.
“The causes of homelessness are complex, but we know that wraparound support services make an enormous difference in achieving positive long-term outcomes in health, education and employment.”
At least 10 per cent of Homes First funding will be targeted towards Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations to ensure a culturally appropriate option is available for Aboriginal Victorians. Experienced service providers will be involved in the program, including Melbourne City Mission, Sacred Heart Mission, Quantum Support Services, Junction Support Services and CatholicCare Victoria.
Homes First is based on international evidence that shows secure housing with accompanying support services is critical to breaking the cycle of homelessness, and helps families to keep long-term tenancies once they leave the program.
The state government is investing more than $197 million into frontline homelessness services in this year’s budget, building on more than $300 million invested into homelessness services every year – helping more than 100,000 Victorians.
The state government is also investing $6.3 billion through the Big Housing Build and Regional Housing Fund to deliver more than 13,300 social and affordable homes across Victoria – with 10,000 homes already complete or underway.
