Service sees State housing help

THE region’s peak child and family service organisation Cafs is set to benefit from the State Government’s recently announced Rental Stress Support Package.

The $7.8 million funding program was launched early last week by Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gabrielle Williams, and will allow Cafs to provide extra support for people undergoing rental stress or who are at risk of losing their tenancy.

“The Rental Stress Support Package comes at a time where we are seeing more people needing assistance than ever before,” said Stacey Lee, Cafs manager of client engagement and community.

“This funding will allow us to further advocate for renters at risk and identify additional supports that may be available, all with a view to keeping people secure and in a home in the long term.”

The support package is one of the commitments outlined in the State Government’s Housing Statement, initially referenced at $2 million.

It’s estimated about five per cent of Victorian households are experiencing rental stresses.

Ms Williams said the package is an integral part of delivering on the statement released last year.

“Our Rental Stress Support Package will provide extra help to Victorians experiencing rental stress, building on the more than 130 rental reforms we’ve already delivered to strengthen renters’ rights,” she said.

“The community organisations supported through the Rental Stress Support Package do critical work to support Victorian renters and we’re proud to support them as we address the housing supply crisis through our Housing Statement.”

As well as Cafs, other organisations such as Anglicare Victoria, Justice Connect, Launch Housing, Housing for the Aged Action Group, Mallee Family Care, and Quantum Support Services are receiving funding.