National not-for-profit housing provider Community Housing Limited will provide 18 new properties in the Latrobe Valley for women and their children escaping domestic violence.
The properties are part of the State Government’s $50 million Rapid Housing Assistance Fund.
“Latrobe is at the top in the state for police call outs for family violence which goes to show how vulnerable the region is,” Community Housing Limited’s state manager Shari McPhail said.
“This much-needed funding will provide safe, secure and affordable homes for women and their children who have experienced family violence or have become homeless as a result.”
Community Housing Limited has partnered with Quantum Support Services to provide support and individualised assistance to the tenants, with the homes due to be available by the end of the year.
Ms McPhail said the grant would include the purchase of 12 new properties and six head lease private rental properties, which would be located close to public transport and schools to ensure the tenants maintained their links to local services and the community.
“Safe and affordable housing is the key to stabilising the lives of those most vulnerable, especially women and children, from which they can begin to rebuild their lives,” Ms McPhail said.
The funding is part of a ‘housing blitz’ announced by the State Government in response to priority recommendations made by the Royal Commission into Family Violence.
It includes the purchase of 184 social housing properties and up to $1.4 million for head leases for 124 social housing rental properties in priority areas across Victoria.
