Victoria boosts early intervention to tackle homelessness and family violence

THE Victorian government has committed $1.1 billion to early intervention programs aimed at reducing family violence and homelessness as part of the 2024/25 budget.

This investment, under the Early Intervention Investment Framework (EIIF), expands upon $2.7 billion of funding over the past four years.

One key initiative benefiting from this funding is Sacred Heart Mission’s Journey to Social Inclusion (J2SI), a highly effective program addressing chronic homelessness.

J2SI provides three years of extensive support to help vulnerable Victorians improve their mental health, resolve substance abuse issues, and establish strong community connections.

The program aims to end homelessness permanently for its participants.

Sacred Heart Mission chief executive Hang Vo praised the government’s support for the program.

“Our approach, combined with ongoing support from the Victorian Government’s crucial Early Intervention Investment Framework, enables people to access and sustain safe and secure housing and rebuild their lives,” she said.

Sacred Heart Mission plans to expand the J2SI program across the region and around the country, delivered by partner service providers.

The expanded J2SI program is expected to improve lives and save up to $80 million over the next decade by reducing hospital admissions, crisis accommodation, and mental health service demands.

Minister for Housing Harriet Shing said it was important to combine housing with comprehensive support services.

“We know that vulnerable people with often very complex needs are best supported with both housing and wraparound support – this is how we make homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring,” she said.

The EIIF investment in the Victorian Budget 2024/25 includes $167.5 million to address family violence and $196.9 million for homelessness prevention.

These early intervention programs are designed to reduce pressure on hospitals, prisons, and homelessness services, with savings reinvested into future EIIF initiatives.