Support for women’s safe housing

MEMBER for Eureka, Michaela Settle and Treasurer Tim Pallas visited McAuley House Ballarat last week, after it received funding in the recent State Budget 2024/25.

McAuley House provides accommodation and support services for women experiencing, or at risk of, family violence and homelessness.

The facility provides safe and stable longer-term accommodation for up-to eight women, for them to rest, recover and reconnect.

McAuley House aims to offer a model of integrated support; a proven method of eliminating homelessness for women, into regional Victoria.

“Having a safe roof over your head is so important,” said Ms Settle. “McAuley House Ballarat offers women a chance to regain pride and regain structure in a stable environment.”

As part of the Victorian Budget 2024/25, $197 million over four years will be invested in a range of targeted housing and support to meet critical demand.

Family violence is the number one cause of homelessness for women and children in Victoria.

The State Government will also deliver up to 1000 new social housing places for family violence survivors through the Big Housing Build.

The $5.3 billion program is the state’s biggest ever investment in public and community housing.

It is on track to deliver more than 12,000 new homes and create more than 40,000 new jobs.

Each year Victoria’s specialist homelessness services respond to the needs of around 100,000 people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

The State Government provides more than $300 million to specialist homelessness agencies annually.