More homes welcomed for those in need

MORE than 500 vulnerable Victorian households will be helped into secure accommodation following the official start of the new $48 million Homes First program.

The program will also assist people in striving to never sleep rough again with access to services including mental health, drug and alcohol and financial counselling, as well as family violence services.

It is currently operating in Brimbank-Melton, Hume-Merribek, Outer Eastern Melbourne, Goulburn, Ovens Murray, Inner Gippsland, Loddon and Wimmera South-West, which were chosen due to a need for extra support for people experiencing homelessness or at risk of sleeping rough.

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 involved in the program include Melbourne City Mission, Sacred Heart Mission, Quantum Support Services, Junction Support Services and CatholicCare Victoria.

Minister for Housing and Building Harriet Shing said while more homes mean more opportunity, it is also essential that vulnerable Victorians can get the support in other areas that they need to break the cycle of homelessness.

“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,” she said.

The Victorian Government is also investing $6.3 billion through its Big Housing Build and Regional Housing Fund to deliver more than 13,300 social and affordable homes right across Victoria, with 10,000 residences reportedly already complete or underway.