Wednesday, 5th April 2017

Harriet Shing, Labor Member for Eastern Victoria Region today announced that local registered housing agencies and funded Community Service Organisations will soon be able to access up to $35 million to deliver accommodation options for Victorians experiencing homelessness.

Funding is now available for the second phase of the Accommodation for Homeless program as part of the Government’s $109 million response to homelessness, in addition to $10 million from the Community Sector Rooming House Upgrades project.

The funding will enable registered housing agencies and community service organisations to deliver up to 120 additional and upgraded crisis and longer-term accommodation options and upgrade existing sector owned rooming houses.

The Accommodation for Homeless program is designed to grow and enhance the supply of crisis and longer-term accommodation options for vulnerable Victorians, including young people, who may require support to get their lives back on track.

Projects may identify a crisis response for a target group or an accommodation solution which provides a long-term exit strategy from the homelessness service system.

It is anticipated that applications will include partnerships that provide innovative supports to homeless people to help them sustain their housing.

These groups include women and children escaping family violence, young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, people experiencing chronic homelessness, rough sleeping and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

It is expected that projects will be across Victoria where it can be demonstrated there is a need for more or improved accommodation and service options for people at risk of, or experiencing homelessness.
For more information on the submission process go to https://dhhs.vic.gov.au/helping-those-risk-or-experiencing-homelessness

Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing Martin Foley:

“Homelessness affects people in different ways, which is why we need diversity in the solutions we offer.”

Quotes attributable to Labor Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing:

“We are working to provide a roof overhead for vulnerable people in our community – to ensure they can access long term accommodation.”

“I encourage all Gippsland housing agencies and community services organisations to apply for this crucial funding.”

“We have restored the previous Liberal Government’s cuts to housing and homeless and are getting on with providing the support people need.”