People experiencing homelessness in Melbourne are getting the support they need to get back on their feet thanks to partnerships between the Andrews Labor Government, community housing agencies and councils.
Minister for Housing Danny Pearson today announced the Labor Government will invest $3.7 million towards the construction of a new housing project in St Kilda, as well as operating costs over four years.
Port Phillip City Council has partnered with St Kilda Community Housing to demolish an existing rooming house and build a three-level building with 26 self-contained units, with space for support services and a concierge.
Under the Housing First approach, safe and permanent housing is the priority for people experiencing homelessness. Once moved into one of the new units, support workers help address complex needs through services such as drug and alcohol counselling, mental health treatment and health care.
The St Kilda project is due for completion by mid-next year.
The Labor Government is working with councils to support people at risk of or experiencing homelessness as part of the Inner Melbourne Metropolitan Partnership.
The Audrey Rainsford site in Carlton, a $40 million development funded through the Victorian Government’s Big Housing Build, is now up and running under the partnership program. Specialist community housing and support agency Wintringham operates the site, with a focus on housing Victorians over the age of 50, with at least half of the new homes to go to women
The Labor Government is also investing $9 million towards a Melbourne City Council project to repurpose a council-owned building into supported accommodation for up to 50 residents.
The Victorian Budget 2022/23 is investing $75 million to build on the significant investments of the past two years and begin the transformation of the homelessness service system to deliver tailored support alongside permanent housing.
As stated by Minister for Housing Danny Pearson
“These new projects are not just giving people a place to call home, they are helping resolve the complex problems that lead to homelessness in an environment where they can heal and rebuild their lives.”
“Breaking the cycle of homelessness for every Victorian sleeping rough by providing a roof over their heads, with the wrap-around services they need, is a great result for the community.”
