Call for united approach to homelessness

A GEELONG homelessness support service provider says a collaboration between governments, charities and other service providers to deliver more targeted services could help tackle the increasing housing crisis.

Haven; Home Safe deputy chief executive officer Trudi Ray said there was a great deal of work being done by many people to address homelessness and housing affordability but a collaborative approach at local level could be beneficial.

“There are so many organisations doing some terrific work, whether it’s in the homelessness space or in the community housing space,” Trudi said.

“I know G21 has got an interest in homelessness, as does the Geelong City Council; they’re really pushing their social housing agenda.

“Where I think the disconnect is, is bringing together all those organisations to get everyone on that same collective page would absolutely benefit the region more broadly.

“Unfortunately, over the years and the way the service system has been set up, it’s been set up to be quite competitive.

“We’re all applying for the same submissions and trying to get funding, which is great there’s diversity in the market but what this doesn’t allow is this amazing collaboration and unity.

“Our preference is to really understand and appreciate that everyone is a complimentary service.

“At the end of the day we all exist to do the same thing and that’s to support vulnerable people, get them supported and get them into housing.”

Trudi said she also supported the Parliamentary Inquiry into Homelessness Report released this month which recommended the federal government develop a 10-year homelessness strategy in consultation with state, territory and local governments.

“As housing providers, we very much understand you’re not just building bricks and mortar, it’s very much about building communities; you’re building appropriate housing solutions for a variety of different cohorts.

“It can’t just be a one-size fits all approach.”

Trudi said Victoria’s Big Build, which will see the state government invest at least $180 million in Geelong and $20 million on the Surf Coast on social housing, was also going to make a massive contribution.

However she said, given Victoria already had the lowest amount of social housing, coupled with the impact of COVID and housing affordability, there was a long way to go to address homelessness but more long-term tenure accommodation was a start.

“Housing first and wrap-around supports is the only way we move through the housing continuum from homelessness,” she said.

Trudi said it was also important to acknowledge the number one cause of homelessness was poverty and that if you could give people a helping hand when they needed it and help them access support services “they will flourish”.

Haven; Home Safe is Australia’s only integrated affordable rental housing and homelessness services provider, delivering four specific services: financial assistance, case coordination, housing and an outreach support service for people who are homeless or sleeping rough.

The organisation has an office in Geelong West, which will soon move to Yarra Street to give the service a greater presence and take the service to those sleeping rough or accessing other services in the city.

Trudi said visibility was critical for the organisation and the new office in the CBD would accommodate growth and make Haven; Home Safe services more accessible.

“The Geelong community is growing in its diversity, capability and services for the region and our focus is on supporting this growth by increasing the number and impact of the programs we offer.”

Haven: Home Safe owns and manages 151 properties as long term tenancies; offers multiple head leasing programs which support an additional 81 Geelong households to maintain a private rental tenancy; and works closely with other community services agencies, to deliver emergency relief to an increasing number of community members who are finding themselves in need of support.
Learn more about Haven; Home Safe services and how you can donate by visiting the Haven; Home Safe website.